If you are given a traffic ticket, you have two choices: 1. Pay the ticket. 2. Go to traffic court. A tickets court is not like appearing before Sheriff Andy Taylor in Mayberry. You will face a real judge and you will have to pay penalties and possibly go to jail if the offense is serious. Here are some tips for making a court appearance. Dress nicely. Your freedom is on the line. You want to make a good impression on the judge. Address the judge as "your honor." Make sure you answer all of his or her questions politely. Be on time. If you are late and the judge calls your case, he or she could swear out a warrant for your arrest. The judge may not rescind the warrant even after you show up late. Get an attorney if you want to fight the charges. An attorney knows the law and will argue your case.