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 Madison
 Code of Ordinances
 Part I. CHARTER

  § XVIII-B. Jurisdiction; powers.  

Latest version.

  • (a)

    The municipal court shall try and punish violations of its charter, all city ordinances, and such other violations as provided by law.

    (b)

    The municipal court shall have authority to punish those in its presence for contempt, provided that such punishment shall not exceed $500.00 or 60 days in jail.

    (c)

    The municipal court may fix punishment for offenses within its jurisdiction not exceeding a fine of $1,000.00 or imprisonment for six months, or both such fine and imprisonment, or may fix punishment by fine, imprisonment, or alternative sentencing as now or hereafter provided by law.

    (d)

    The municipal court shall have authority to establish a schedule of fees to defray the cost of operation and shall be entitled to reimbursement for transportation of prisoners bound over to superior courts for violations of state law.

    (e)

    The municipal court shall have authority to establish bail and recognizances to ensure the presence of those charged with violations before said court and shall have discretionary authority to accept cash or personal or real property as surety for the appearance of persons charged with violations. Whenever any person shall give bail for his or her appearance and shall fail to appear at the time fixed for trial, his or her bond shall be forfeited by the judge presiding at such time and an execution issued thereon by serving the defendant and his or her sureties with a rule nisi at least two days before a hearing on the rule nisi. In the event that cash or property is accepted in lieu of bond for security for the appearance of a defendant at trial and if such defendant fails to appear at the time and place fixed for trial, the cash so deposited shall be, on order of the judge, declared forfeited to the city or the property so deposited shall have a lien against it for the value forfeited, which lien shall be enforceable in the same manner and to the same extent as a lien for city property taxes.

    (f)

    The municipal court shall have the same authority as superior courts to compel the production of evidence in the possession of any party; to enforce obedience to its orders, judgments, and sentences; and to administer such oaths as are necessary.

    (g)

    The municipal court may compel the presence of all parties necessary to a proper disposition of each case by the issuance of summonses, subpoenas, and warrants which may be served as executed by any officer as authorized by this charter or by law.

    (h)

    Each judge of the municipal court shall be authorized to issue warrants for the arrest of persons charged with offenses against any ordinance of the city and each judge of the municipal court shall have the same authority as a magistrate of the state to issue warrants for offenses against state laws committed within the city.

    (i)

    The municipal court is specifically vested with all the jurisdiction and powers throughout the geographic area of the city granted by law to municipal courts, and particularly by such laws as authorize the abatement of nuisances and prosecution of traffic violations.