If a city wants to collect a fine for the offense of failure to appear, what must the city do?

To collect a fine for the offense of failure to appear, a city must first adopt an ordinance that specifically authorizes the imposition of that fee. This is because municipal fines and fees are generally governed by local laws and regulations, which must be established through an official process, such as the passage of an ordinance by the city government. The ordinance serves as the foundational legal document that outlines the nature of the offense, the penalties associated with it, and the procedures for collection.

This requirement ensures that the fine is legally enforceable and that there is transparency and accountability in how fines are implemented and collected. Without an ordinance, the city would not have a legal basis to impose or collect fines for failure to appear, making any such attempt ineffective.

While notifying the state, providing public notice, or sending written warnings may be important components of a comprehensive approach to managing municipal offenses, they do not substitute for the necessity of having an ordinance in place.