A citizen may call the small claims information line at (414) 278-4140 for guidance in obtaining restitution.

Speeding Violations

10 or less mph over the legal limit         3

11-19 mph over the legal limit                 4

20 or more mph over the legal limit         6

Other Violations

Reckless driving or racing                 6

Deviating from a traffic lane                 4

Driving on wrong side of highway or street          4

Failing to yield right-of-way                 4

Failing to yield to emergency vehicle    4

Imprudent driving, too fast for conditions,

    failing to have vehicle under control 4

Inattentive driving 4

Passing school bus w/red lights flashing 4

Arterial or traffic control violation 3

Driving wrong way on one-way street 3

Failing to dim lights 3

Following too closely 3

Illegal passing 3

Improper brakes or lights 3

Operating w/o valid drivers license/suspended

     or revoked license 3

Prohibited or illegal turn 3

Violation of Restriction 3

Defective speedometer 2

Non-registration of motor vehicle 0

Motorcycles

Head lamp not lit 3

    daylight hours only 0

No cycle endorsement 3

Defective or repaired handlebars 2

Deprive traffic lane 2

More than 2 riders (operator) 2

No eye protection (operator) 2

Illegal muffler 0

No protective headgear 0

It is not uncommon for officers who are in close proximity to back each other up, even if they aren’t requested. This is just routine for safety reasons. It is also possible that the initial or secondary patrol vehicle may be a field-training unit, which consists of two officers.

Failure to comply with any of the listed options will result in the issuance of a warrant or a default judgment being entered against you. In the event a default judgment is entered, the Court will impose a fine. Failure to pay the fine within sixty (60) days will result in:

●   The suspension of your driving privileges for up to one (1) year or until the fine is paid; OR

●   The issuance of a Writ for your commitment to the County Correctional Facility South. Your length of stay is determined by the fine amount owed.

●   State Debt Collection

If you have been charged with violating a City of Oak Creek Municipal Ordinance, a court date will be assigned and indicated on the citation you received. You are required to appear on the indicated court date if you have been charged with any of the following violations:

 ●    Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of an Intoxicant

●    Absolute Sobriety Violation

●    Issuance of a Worthless Check

●    Juvenile Alcohol Violations

●  Juvenile Possession of Controlled Substance or Drug Paraphernalia

● Habitual Student Truancy

●  Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

If you have NOT been charged with any of the above violations, you may do any of the following on or before your municipal court date:

 ● Mail payment of your fine to the Oak Creek Municipal Court; OR

● Pay-In-Person at the Oak Creek Municipal Court during business hours; OR

● Drop off your payment in the 24-hour drop box located in the Police Department lobby; OR

● Enter a “Not Guilty” plea in writing prior to your court date. This may be done in person at the Oak Creek Municipal Court by completing the appropriate form. You will then be assigned a pre-trial date; OR

● Appear in person at the Oak Creek Municipal Court, 301 W. Ryan Road, on your court date at the time listed on your citation.

If you are driving a motor vehicle and an officer signals you to stop, you must pull over. That’s the law.

 • Stay in your car, and if it’s dark, turn on the interior light.

• Do not leave your car unless directed to do so by the officer.

• Relax, don’t make any sudden movements or reach for items inside the vehicle which could be construed by an officer as a potential threat to their safety.

• Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to approach your vehicle. The officer will begin by identifying themself and that they work for the Oak Creek Police Department.

Next, the officer will explain to you why you were stopped and ask for an explanation regarding the violation for which you were stopped. (An Oak Creek officer will always inform you of the reason that you’re being stopped). The officer will then ask you for your driver’s license. If you don’t have your license with you, verbal identification will be requested. Please provide the officer with the requested information.

Moving traffic violations are the most common reason for stopping a vehicle. However, you may also have been stopped for a registration or equipment violation or a citizen contact. A criminal investigation may be another reason for being stopped or your vehicle may match the description of a vehicle that was involved in a crime.

At some point during the stop, the officer may ask you and any passengers to step from the car for a variety of reasons. Please follow the instructions the officer gives you. If requested, do not resist a frisk/pat down search.  This will be done only if the officer has a reasonable suspicion that you may be carrying an illegal weapon.

Avoid provoking the officer or showing off in front of other occupants. Do not interfere with the questions or the arresting of other occupants. Comply with the officer first and then, if needed, seek an explanation.

Our actions during a traffic stop are guided by the fact that many police officers are assaulted and killed each year during traffic stops. Our goal is to protect you, as the motorist, and to ensure our own safety. Please be cooperative. There are many issues of safety and officer concerns that may be unique to your traffic stop. No traffic stop is routine. Cooperate with the officer and follow instructions.

Remember—practice the golden rule: “Treat the officers as you would want to be treated”.

The date on your citation is the date of your initial appearance. An initial appearance is your opportunity to enter a plea to the charge. You may plead guilty, no contest, or not guilty. The initial appearance is not the trial date.

If you plead guilty or no contest, the court will fine you and the matter will be resolved at the initial appearance. You can pay your ticket at court that evening or receive time to pay.

If you plead not guilty, your case will be scheduled for a trial. You will be given the opportunity to have a pretrial conference with the Assistant City Attorney at your initial appearance or at your scheduled trial date.

Officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic and potential danger from within the vehicle. At night, the bright lights illuminate the interior of the vehicle which is a safety consideration for the officer.

Your feedback is very important to us. If you would like to compliment or complain about an officer’s actions, please:

• Call us at (414) 762-8200 (press 0 for dispatch) and ask to speak with a supervisor, or request that a complaint form be mailed to your address. Once you receive the form, you may complete the form as instructed and return it to the Oak Creek Police Department.

• Write a complimentary letter and send it to the attention of the Operations Captain at the Oak Creek Police Department.

Technology now allows an officer to verify your driving status and check your vehicle registration directly from the patrol car. Because this information is accessed via computer unanticipated delays may occasionally occur. While it may seem as if the officer has kept you waiting for a long time, in reality, it’s normally only for a few minutes.

A citizen contact may be conducted on persons seated in a parked vehicle or individuals walking. These contacts may also be conducted if you are in the area of closed businesses or residential areas with a patrol watch. These contacts are made due to crime trends or suspicious activity that may have occurred in the area, or simply because the officer is checking on the welfare of a person.

An individual is read their rights only when they are charged with a crime. Municipal Ordinance and traffic violations are not crimes.