MUNICIPAL COURT
| Deborah Hackler Presiding Judge Mark Fields City Prosecutor Karla J. Taylor Court Administrator 301 East Carl Albert Parkway P.O. Box 578 McAlester, OK 74502 Ph: (918) 421-4939 Fax: (918) 558-2081 Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
* Court Clerk's office is operational Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm by phone at (918) 423-9300 or by email.
Municipal Court Mission
To provide equal justice for all, to protect the rights of the victim
and defendant, and if the defendant
is convicted, assess a penalty which
will deter the defendant and others
from similar conduct which acts to the
ultimate welfare of the entire community
and reflecting judicial administration at its best.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The office is closed on Holidays.
Overview
The Municipal Criminal Court of McAlester is the
judicial branch of city government and was created by
state law and city ordinance as a court not of record (criminal not civil)
to impartially hear violations of city ordinances.
The court processes misdemeanor traffic and non-traffic offenses
as well as parking violations. Charges can be filed by police officers,
other city officials such as code enforcement, animal welfare,
fire personnel, and citizens of the community.
The maximum penalty in Municipal Court is $500, excluding costs / fees.
The mayor and City Council appoint the presiding judge for two-year terms.
The court administrator serves as the chief administrative officer
of the court and supervises all non-judicial employees.
More citizens come in contact with the judicial system through municipal courts
than any other court, and the personnel of the Municipal Court of McAlester
endeavor to present an image to the citizens of McAlester, in substance
as well as form, which are reflective of judicial administration at its best.
The court is committed to the proposition that its function is to see
equal justice provided to all. In light of that, the court is dedicated to protecting the
rights of the individual citizen accused of a violation, yet, upon conviction assessing a penalty
which will deter the offender from similar conduct, therefore acting for the
ultimate welfare of the entire community.