If you have been cited for a civil infraction of Billings Municipal Code which is punishable by fine, but not imprisonment, and in some instances, and Order of Abatement requiring you to fix the underlying code violation. Civil infractions are not criminal charges, and you cannot be sentenced to jail time for a civil infraction.
IF YOU DENY THIS VIOLATION AND REQUEST A TRIAL: YOU may bring witnesses and present your case to the Municipal Judge. The citing officer must prove that you committed the infraction by clear and convincing evidence. YOU may represent or hire an attorney at your expense to represent you. If you hire an attorney, you must notify the Court immediately in writing. Since you are not facing the possibility of jail time, you are not entitled to have a public defender appointed to represent you.
IF you fail to show up for your trial on your trial date, OR IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND OR APPEAR to a "No Appearance Required" citation within Fourteen (14) days, the Court will enter a default judgement against you for the fine amount, authorized surcharges under state law and city ordinance, court costs and fees as provided in BMCC Section 18-1203, in addition to a possible Order of Abatement. Unpaid default judgements will be forwarded to collections and subject to an additional 30% collection fee.