Rule 37.74 Trial De Novo - Procedure

If you get a new trial after appealing a case from municipal court (this is called a "trial de novo"), the case will be handled just like a regular misdemeanor criminal trial. This means the same rules that apply to misdemeanor cases will apply to your case, including things like how evidence is presented, how witnesses testify, and what rights you have during the trial.

Basically, you get a completely fresh start with your case. The judge and both sides will follow the standard criminal trial process, as if the earlier municipal court decision never happened. This gives you the same protections and procedures that anyone facing a misdemeanor charge would have.