FAQs • Montgomery County District Clerk, KS • CivicEngage

I have an active bench warrant, what should I do?: You should contact your attorney and turn yourself into local law enforcement. Be prepared to pay the bond. If you need further information about the case, you can contact the District Court office, however, bench warrants are authorized by the Judge and the clerks cannot change any of the orders.

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Traffic

1. I received a traffic citation, do I have to go to court?: If the officer completed the fine(s) and fee portion of your traffic citation, you may pay the total amount by the hearing date and not be required to appear in court.
If the officer did not complete the fine(s) and fee portion of the citation, you should contact the clerk’s office for further information or appear in court on the date and time listed on the citation.

2. Can I be required to appear in traffic court?: Yes. If the charge is of a more serious nature, a mandatory court appearance is required for the judge to set the fine. When you contact the Clerk’s Office, you will be instructed to appear on the date and time on your citation. Your appearance is required.

3. Can I get an extension of time to pay my traffic fine?: Yes, if your citation does not require you to appear in person. As early as possible, contact the Clerk’s Office and request a “Plea and Request for Extension” form. You must return the completed form to the clerk’s office before the scheduled hearing date on your citation. The judge will then review and either grant or deny your plea and request.

4. How do I request a diversion?: You need to contact the County Attorney's office at 620-330-1020.

5. What happens if I fail to appear or pay my ticket by the court date?: When a person fails to appear as ordered or pay their ticket by the court or extended due date, it may result in a suspension of their driving privileges and/or a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest.

6. If my license was suspended due to lack of payment or failure to appear, how can I get my license reinstated?: After payment is made on a case where the license has been suspended the Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles is automatically notified to lift the suspension.

7. I have an active bench warrant, what should I do?: You should contact your attorney and turn yourself into local law enforcement. Be prepared to pay the bond. If you need further information about the case, you can contact the District Court office, however, bench warrants are authorized by the Judge and the clerks cannot change any of the orders.

8. Does the Court use collection agencies to collect overdue traffic cases?: Yes. The Court works with a collection agency on cases that the defendant has been sentenced and/or the case has a standard fine and costs. When the fines and fees are not paid by the due date, the case is sent to a collection agency. After the case is in collections, the court will no longer accept payments on the case. The collection agency charges a fee for collecting the money so you end up paying more than originally required. You may contact the collection agency at the Butler Law website.