Do municipal courts have jurisdiction over all fine-only offenses in the Alcoholic Beverage Code regardless of prior convictions?

• A. True
• B. Only for first conviction
• C. False
• D. Only for no prior convictions

Answer: (C)

Municipal courts handle offenses that are Class C misdemeanors, punishable by a fine only. But the Alcoholic Beverage Code includes provisions that can be enhanced based on prior offenses. When a prior conviction elevates the penalty to a higher class (such as Class B or above), jail time can be possible, and the case moves out of municipal court’s jurisdiction to county or district court. So you can’t assume municipal courts oversee all fine-only Alcoholic Beverage Code offenses regardless of prior convictions. Prior convictions can change the offense into something the municipal court isn’t authorized to hear, which is why the statement is not correct.