FAQs

municipal court

How do I get an attorney?

The King County Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service and provides information on community legal services.  

How do I pay my citation/ticket?

If you wish to pay your fine without a hearing, payment may be made in the following ways within 15 days of issue of the citation/ticket:

  • At the court with cash, check or money order.
  • By phone to NCourt at 1.844.279.6287 with a credit card (see below for more info).
  • Online at www.micourtpay.com with a credit card (see below for more info).

Important information about paying your fine with NCourt:

  1. You must have your citation/ticket number in order to process payment.
  2. You must have the fine amount owing.
  3. If it is a parking ticket, you must provide the license plate number.   
  4. A convenience fee will be automatically calculated and charged for the use of this service.
I am a juvenile and I received a parking ticket. What do I do?

Request a hearing or pay the fine within 15 days.

I can't make my scheduled hearing. Can I reschedule?

You must contact the court 24 business hours before the scheduled court date to determine if you are eligible to reschedule. 

I do not live in Mercer Island. Can I respond to my Mercer Island ticket at another court closer to my home?

No. The name and address of the court of jurisdiction is printed in the lower left corner of the citation. Your citation must be handled at that court only.

 

I received a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance. I was insured at the time of the traffic stop but did not have my insurance card with me. Do I have to pay the full amount of the fine?

Within 15 days of the violation, you may come to the court to show proof that you were insured at the time of the incident, and the ticket will be dismissed with a $25.00 administrative fee.

If there is an additional violation on the ticket, you are responsible for the penalty amount associated with that violation.

I received a citation for failure to provide proof of insurance. I was not insured at the time of the traffic stop, but I now have insurance. Do I have to pay the full amount of the fine?

Within 15 days from the violation date or before your scheduled court date, you may show proof of obtaining insurance after the incident, and the ticket will be found committed, the penalty will be reduced to $250.00. 

If there is an additional violation on the ticket, you are responsible for the penalty amount associated with that violation in addition to the insurance portion.

I received a delinquent letter from the court after returning the green copy of the ticket requesting a hearing. What does this letter mean?

The court did not receive your hearing request within 15 days, or did not receive your hearing request at all.

I received a delinquent letter from the court, after mailing in my payment. What does this letter mean?

The court records indicate payment has not been received or your payment was untimely, and a late penalty is still owing.  If you feel the records are in error, you must present proof to the court payment was received timely.  

I received a disabled placard/handicap zone ticket, but I have a valid placard. Do I have to pay the penalty?

No. Within 15 days from the violation, you may show proof of your valid placard and disability card to the court and the ticket will be dismissed.    

I received a speeding ticket in a school or construction zone. What kind of hearing shall I choose?

Penalties for school or construction zones may not be reduced/mitigated.  You may either pay in full or request a contested hearing within 15 days from the date of violation.

There are two violations on my citation. I would like to pay one and request a hearing on the other. Can I do this?

No, both violations must be handled at the same time. You must pay the full amount of the citation or request a hearing within 15 days.

Where do I file a civil case, such as divorce or small claims?

Divorce and civil lawsuits should be filed at the King County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
 
Small claims matters are filed in District Court.