If the case is tried by a judge, the judge's decision is called a judgment. If the case is tried by a jury, the jury's decision is called a verdict. In determining a Defendant's guilt or innocence, the judge or jury can consider only the testimony of the witnesses, and any evidence properly admitted during the trial. If you are found guilty by either judge or jury, the penalty will be announced at that time. Unless you plan to appeal your case, you should be prepared to pay the fine immediately. The following is the range of punishment for cases heard in the Kennedale Municipal Court (amounts do not include state-mandated court costs which must be assessed in every case):
- Traffic Code Violations $1 to $200*
- Insurance Law Violations $175 to $1,000
- Penal Code Violations $1 to $500*
- City Ordinance Violations $1 to $2,000
* Fines may be enhanced due to a prior history for the same or similar convictions.