Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Municipal Court

TO:	Toni Wheeler, City Attorney
FROM:	Vicki Stanwix, Court Administrator
DATE:	October 6, 2015
RE:	Fireworks Violations

There were 9 citations for fireworks violations filed in Municipal Court during the 4^th of July holiday weekend.  Of the 9, 8 plead Guilty and one charge was dismissed. The dismissal reason is listed below:

15CR1266 – Officer Russell /Sgt. Cooper advised that a warning citation was intended.  Dismissal was requested by the Police Department.

In comparison, there were 44 citations for fireworks violations filed during the same timeframe in 2014.  Of the 44, 39 plead Guilty, one was found Not Guilty, and four charges were dismissed.  Dismissal reasons are listed below:

14CR1417 – Fireworks charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.  Defendant plead Guilty to Interference with Duties of a Police Officer.

14CR1399 – The eyewitness left the scene before confirming the defendant’s identity with the officer.

14CR1441 – Two co-defendants were also charged and took full responsibility for the incident.

14CR1421 – Dismissed by the Judge; the citation was not signed by the officer.

These numbers reflect an 89% conviction rate for this charge in both 2014 and 2015.

Let me know if I can provide further information. 

Vicki Stanwix, Court Administrator