§ 5.13. Powers.

(a)

The municipal court shall try and punish violations of this Charter, all city ordinances, and such other violations as provided by law.

(b)

The municipal court shall have the authority to punish those in its presence for contempt, provided that such punishment shall not exceed the statutory limits for fines and imprisonment for such municipal court.

(c)

The municipal court may fix punishment for offenses within its jurisdiction, including both fines and imprisonment or alternative sentencing, provided that such fines or imprisonment does not exceed the statutory limits as now exist or hereafter provided by law.

(d)

The municipal court shall have the authority to establish a schedule of fees to defray the cost of operation and shall be entitled to reimbursement of the actual cost of meals, transportation, and caretaking of prisoners bound over to superior courts for violation of state law.

(e)

The municipal court shall have authority to establish bail and recognizances to ensure the presence of those charged with violations before said court and shall have discretionary authority to accept cash or personal or real property as surety bond for the appearance of persons charged with violations. Whenever any person shall give bail for appearance and shall fail to appear at the time fixed for trial, the bond shall be forfeited by the judge presiding at such time and an execution shall be issued thereon by serving the defendant and his or her sureties with a rule nisi at least two days before a hearing on the rule nisi.

(f)

The municipal court shall have the same authority as superior courts to compel the production of evidence in the possession of any party; to enforce obedience to its orders, judgments, and sentences; and to administer such oaths as are necessary.

(g)

The municipal court shall have the authority to bind prisoners over to the appropriate court when it appears by probable cause that state law has been violated.

(h)

Each judge of the municipal court may compel the presence of all parties necessary to a proper disposal of each case by the issuance of summonses, subpoenas, and warrants which may be served as executed by any officer as authorized by this Charter or by law.

(i)

Each judge of the municipal court shall be authorized to issue warrants for the arrest of persons charged with offenses against any ordinance of the city, and each judge of the municipal court shall have the same authority as a magistrate of the state to issue warrants for offenses against state laws committed within the city.

(j)

The municipal court is specifically vested with all the jurisdiction and powers throughout the geographic area of this city granted by law to municipal courts and particularly by such laws as authorize the abatement of nuisances and prosecution of traffic violations.