(A) Any person who is in possession of a prohibited item in the judicial wing contrary to the terms of this chapter may be charged with an ordinance violation, which violation is a civil action that may be prosecuted in the name of the county in any circuit or superior court in the county.
(B) Upon presentation of proof which establishes an ordinance violation by a preponderance of the evidence, the court, having jurisdiction over such civil action, shall be authorized to impose a civil judgment of not less than $50, nor more than $2,500, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred by the county in prosecuting the ordinance violation.
(C) In addition to the sanctions described in division (B) above, the court shall further be authorized, upon such proof by a preponderance of the evidence having been found, to direct that any prohibited item introduced into evidence during a hearing upon the ordinance violation be forfeited to the Sheriff of the county for disposal in accordance with procedures of the County Police Department.
(D) Nothing contained in this chapter supersedes or limits the inherent authority of any court in the county to punish any individual, under its contempt powers, for being in possession of a prohibited item during open court; however, the terms and penalties contained in this chapter shall apply in the common areas, courtrooms and all other locations and rooms in the judicial wing.
(Ord. 6-1997, passed 5-20-1997)