WBRZ - Baton Rouge

The Baton Rouge Litter Court heard its first cases today.

Four cases were heard after months of planning and hundreds of evidence pictures were. The court was created to enforce five city ordinances: tall grass, debris or trash on property, leaving trash cans out too long, dirty pools, and illegal signs.

"Our main goal is to have people do what they're supposed to do," said Irma Plummer, a Litter Court Official. "Get rid of junk trash and debris, maintain your property, put your garbage cans up, don't put up illegal signs."

Violations could be dismissed if the problems are fixed. Plummer said the court was created to beautify the city, not to collect fines.

"You can always appeal," said Plummer. "This court is not meant to be punitive. It's meant to encourage people to do what they need to do anyway."

The fine per violation is $117.