Coming to Court

Initial Appearance/Arraignment

The purpose of the Initial Appearance/Arraignment hearing is to inform you of the charge(s) filed against you and for you to enter a plea. Your hearing date is located near the bottom of your citation. This is not the date and time at which to present evidence and/testimony.

Direct Procedure

The hearing will generally proceed as follows:

  1. When entering the building, you must check-in with the front desk window. You will be given a pink card that outlines your rights and will make apparent that you have completed the check-in process. This is to be returned to the front desk.
  2. Once in the courtroom, the Judge will begin proceedings by advising the audience of their rights. Cases are normally called in the order in which defendants have checked in.
  3. The Judge will advise you of your charge(s) and the penalties. You will then be able to enter a plea:
    • If you enter a plea of Guilty/No Contest (Nolo Contendere), you will be sentenced
    • If you enter a plea of Not Guilty, you will be scheduled for an Omnibus hearing
  4. Upon exiting the courtroom, you must return to the front desk to pick up paperwork, make payment, etc.

ℹ️ What to Bring to Court

  • Proper Identification (driver’s license, Montana ID, passport, any government issued ID)
  • Your copy of the citation
  • Appearance letter and/or other court documents
  • Proof of valid registration/insurance policy
  • Any receipts regarding your case (bond receipts, cash bail receipts, etc.)
  • Any documents which prove compliance with the Judge’s orders and/or sentencing
  • Method of payment (cash, credit/debit card, checkbook)

🤵 Other Important Information

  • Do not use nicknames or aliases; use the same spelling as listed on documents related to the case, and ensure spelling listed on documents is correct. If they are not, please advise the Court.
  • Provide the Court with your current address, phone number, and email address.
  • Clothing attire: appropriate dress is required. Please do not wear clothing with obscene slogans or images. No hats or sunglasses are to be worn in the courtroom. Shirt and shoes are required.
  • No cell phones are allowed in the courtroom.
  • Persons who fail to conduct themselves in an orderly manner may be be cited for contempt.

⚠️ Warning 

  • If you fail to appear in court as ordered, the Court can suspend your driver’s license, issue a warrant for your arrest and you can be jailed and/or fined.

Persons who are less than 18 years of age who receive non-parking related citations are required to make a personal appearance in court with a parent and/or guardian.

Video Appearances (by Zoom)

Zoom appearances may be granted upon a written request filed with the Court. Zoom is a program that can be used through your browser, computer, or phone/tablet, and is free of charge. The request must be filed at least two business days prior to the hearing date. The requesting party is responsible for ensuring connection to the Zoom session. Court staff is not available to provide technical support. 

Written requests can be made by emailing 📧 WhitefishMunicipalCourt@mt.gov. If your request is approved by the Judge, you will receive a reply email with the Zoom instructions attached. Review these instructions in their entirety before connecting to Zoom.

Directions & Parking

Whitefish Municipal Court is located at 📍275 Flathead Ave in Whitefish, Montana. The Court is in the Emergency Services Center which also houses the Police and Fire Department. Free parking is available as well as handicap and veteran parking spots.

Security & Weapons

Information regarding security and weapons in the courtroom is outlined in 📃Rules of Courtroom Conduct (PDF) and 📃Standing Order (PDF). All persons are prohibited from possessing or carrying firearms or other weapons in the Emergency Services Center except for law enforcement or authorized judicial personnel.

Obtaining a Public Defender

Depending on the charges, you may be eligible for representation by a public defender. More information about the Montana Office of the State Public Defender can be found on their home page and FAQs page. Once an attorney has been appointed to your case, all correspondence with the Court must be done by and through the attorney.

Representing Yourself in Court

You may represent yourself pro se in this Court. Be advised that the Court staff cannot provide legal advice. Consider your options carefully. For self-help resources, please visit the Montana Supreme Court's Court Help Program located on the Montana Judicial Branch website. 

Court FAQs

Many questions regarding all court-related topics have been answered in our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please feel free to contact the Court for assistance. Please note that court staff is unable to provide any legal advice.