Traffic courts differ from other criminal courts in several ways. Most traffic courts only hear misdemeanor driving offenses. Serious offenses like DUI and vehicular homicide are heard in higher courts, often called superior courts in most states. Traffic court judges are appointed in some jurisdictions and elected in others. In some municipalities, judges are not required to have a law degree, but many do. Traffic court is one court you can avoid. For some offenses, all you have to do is pay the amount of the fine listed on your traffic ticket and you won't have to appear in court. As is true in other courts, you can be cited and even jailed if you don't appear to address your charges. And you are allowed to have an attorney represent you. Plea bargains are also accepted in traffic court and can save drivers points on their license and expensive insurance premiums.