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1. How can I contest a parking citation?

If you wish to contest a parking citation, you can appear in court just as you would for any other alleged violation of a city ordinance. The appearance date and time is located on the right side of your (pink) parking citation. The court procedures utilized for parking cases are the same procedures used for any other case. You may enter a plea of "not guilty," "no contest," or "guilty."

If you plead "not guilty," (PDF) a pre-trial conference will be scheduled. At the pre-trial conference, the defendant, the city attorney and a representative from the police department will discuss their respective positions regarding the alleged parking violation to try and stipulate to an agreement between the parties.

If a defendant enters a plea of "no contest" or "guilty" the Judge will find him or her guilty and impose a penalty (a fine). Before a penalty is imposed by the Judge, he will listen to any statements or information the defendant would like to provide to the court.

If you wish to contest a meter violation you will need to contact the meter department directly at 262-248-3673 or you may come to the city hall desk and complete a meter complaint form that will be forwarded to the Meter Supervisor for review. If you are unable to come to a resolution after filing your complaint, you may file a written not guilty plea (PDF) with the Municipal Court where you will then be scheduled for a pre-trial hearing with the City Attorney.

2. Where can I find the city ordinances?

City ordinances are located on the website under the City Government section. Or you may also contact the Court Clerk 262-248-4651 for a copy of the particular parking ordinance that pertains to your situation.

3. Where can further complaints be directed?

If you are unable to come to a resolution, the city council is the proper forum for discussion of the policy basis for the parking ordinances. At every city council meeting, the public is afforded the opportunity to speak. Also, you may wish to write a letter to your alderperson, the city business administrator, or the mayor. The address, telephone number, and email address for alderpersons, the business administrator and the mayor appear on the city's contact list in the website.

4. How can I pay for my parking citation?

Payment can be made in person at the court office between the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Payments may also be made anytime at the City of Lake Geneva Police Department. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, check, credit card, cashier's check, or money order.

If you deposit the amount by mail, please enclose a copy of your citation, along with check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the City of Lake Geneva Municipal Court.

5. What are some reasons why parking citations will not be dismissed?

• I was just there for a short time
• Lack of legal parking space
• Lack of convenient parking space
• Time constraints ("only a minute late")
• Lack of funds ("no change")
• No one else got a ticket
• Didn't see the sign
• Parked in same area and never received a ticket before
• Ignorance of City of Lake Geneva Parking Regulations
• If your vehicle was unattended, it was parked
• I didn't intend to do it
• The fine is too much