If you get a traffic ticket in Virginia, your case will be heard in a general district court. But many Virginians, like most people who get a traffic ticket, never appear in a Virginia traffic court and simply pay the fine. Most only appear if they want to contest the ticket. In Virginia traffic court, you can appear with or without an attorney. People whose job depends on a good driving record or who are worried about getting too many points on their driving record usually hire an attorney. In some cases, a plea bargain is arranged where the driver pleads guilty to a non moving violation to keep penalty points off of their Virginia driver's license. A judge can issue a verdict at his or her own discretion. If this happens, you will receive a notice in the mail that indicates how much you have to pay. These sentences can be appealed.