Mayor’s Court
Welcome to the Mayor's Court Information page for the City of Brook Park. This comprehensive guide seeks to enlighten our citizens about the court's operations, payment procedures, dress code, general legal procedures, and more.
What is Mayor's Court?
Contrary to its name, the Mayor's Court is not presided over by the mayor. Instead, two alternate magistrates handle proceedings. The court staff also consists of a full-time prosecutor, the clerk of the court, and their assistant.
Frequency and Time: The court convenes twice a month on Mondays at precisely 4:32 PM.
Types of Cases: The court primarily addresses traffic and criminal cases. However, cases related to second-time offenses, felonies, and domestic issues are transferred to Berea Municipal Court.
Payment and Fines
Preparation: We urge residents to come prepared to settle any fines and costs on the day. The court does not offer payment plans.
Payment Methods: We accept Visa, MasterCard, money orders, cashier's checks, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and American Express. Regrettably, we do not accept checks.
Fines Information: For your convenience, the website will list court costs and common violations to help residents anticipate potential payments.
Dress Code and Conduct
When attending court, please dress appropriately. Signs within the court premises instruct visitors to switch off cell phones and refrain from using them at the window.
Failure to Appear and Warrants
Failure to appear in court has serious repercussions, including the issuance of warrants. Such warrants can inhibit the renewal of one's license and license plates.
If you find yourself with a warrant, fear not. Bonds can be posted at the police department 24/7. During weekdays, bonds can also be posted at the clerk's window between 9 AM and 4 PM. Please note that cash bonds are accepted only at the clerk's office, while the police department accepts both surety bonds and cash. Proactively posting a bond will not result in an arrest. Instead, a new court date will be provided.
Notifications and Blocks: Post failure to appear, a letter is dispatched the following day, urging the recipient to respond within 72 hours. Failure to do so results in blocks placed on one's license and registration. To have these blocks removed, you can contact us either over the phone or in person, followed by paying a reinstatement fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Parking, Traffic, and Property Maintenance Tickets
Parking Tickets: Ignoring a parking ticket can lead to incremental fines. For example, a $10 initial parking ticket can escalate to $50 if neglected. If several tickets accumulate against a single license plate, additional penalties from the BMV could tally the amount to $180.
Traffic Tickets and Violations: Generally, moving violations are assigned two points on a license. Should you wish to challenge a ticket, court costs are $115, with potential additional fines. It's a misconception that if the arresting officer is absent from court, the ticket will be dismissed.
Property Maintenance Tickets: The building department oversees these tickets, which are tied to property maintenance ordinances. Summoned residents will be presented with photographs and evidence of their violations in court.
Tax Court
Held twice monthly on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., tax court addresses cases of residents failing to file local income taxes. If residents resolve their tax issues before the court date, they may only incur a $100 program fee.
General Legal Procedures
Everyone has the right to self-representation in court. However, obtaining legal representation is also an option. The available pleas are guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Pleading not guilty transfers the case to Berea. Notably, the same prosecutor serves both the mayor's court and the municipal court.
Navigational Insights
Different sections of the website cater to specific charges or requests, such as applications for driving privileges. For detailed costs associated with the 3-day weekend intervention class and other relevant court services, please navigate to the "Costs and Fees" section.
Miscellaneous Information
For residents undergoing home remodeling, special parking arrangements can be made to park on the street for one or two nights if you have a dumpster in your driveway. This request needs to be documented with the police department to avoid any parking violations.
Closing Thoughts
The Mayor's Court is dedicated to serving the residents of Brook Park with transparency and efficiency. We're continuously working on enhancing our website and services. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please don't hesitate to contact us or utilize our contact information section on the right of the page.
Mailing address:
6161 Engle Road
Brook Park, OH 44142
Physical Address:
17400 Holland Road (door faces Holland Rd)
Brook Park, OH 44142
Violations Bureau Hours of Operation:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday.
Closed Holidays
Mayor’s Court is held at 4:30pm on Mondays (excluding Holidays)
Clerk of Courts Kari Baciak
E-mail: kbaciak@cityofbrookpark.com
Telephone: (216) 433-7061
Fax: (216) 433-4183
View Docket and Online Ticket Payment
http://www.ohioticketpayments.com/Brookpark
(Please enter ONLY your last name when looking up your ticket)
Please note: You may now pay Parking Tickets on-line.
Payment of Fines and Costs
Please note that all fines and court costs are due on the date you appear in court (if not waiverable and paid in advance). Cash payments are acceptable; money orders are to be made payable to City of Brook Park. The Court accepts online payment of waiverable tickets – see link. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted at the Clerk’s office or online.
Please note: We no longer accept checks.
Court Sessions
The Brook Park Mayor’s Court for the City of Brook Park is in session every other Monday at 4:30p.m., excluding holidays
(see schedule below).
Your case will be subject to a telephone pre-trial discussion with our city prosecutor. This will occur the Wednesday before your court date during the hours of 10 am and 1 pm. Notice will be sent to your home address as noted on your ticket. If your case is resolved, no appearance will be necessary the following Monday.*
*Note: this is why our police officers ask for your telephone number and place the information on your ticket.
If you were issued a citation, your scheduled appearance date and time appears in the lower right corner of the citation. Your appearance in court is mandatory if the officer has indicated personal appearance is required. If the citation is marked as waiverable, you may avoid appearance in court by signing the waiver form and paying the fine and costs no later than 3:00pm the day of your scheduled court date. Check the Online Ticket Payment link for your waiver amount.