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Options For Criminal Traffic Violations If the offense on your citation/ticket is listed as a criminal violation, you must appear at the Justice Court listed on your ticket at the date and time specified.* When you do appear before the judge, you have three options:
Plead guilty
If you choose to plead guilty, you are admitting that you committed the infraction for which you were ticketed.
Possible penalties include:
Points on your driving record
A fine
Suspension or restriction of your driving privileges
Jail (for some violations)
Community service
Court-ordered education classes
**You must be prepared to pay all fines in full on the date of your hearing.
If you do not pay a fine the day of your hearing, the court will add a $20 time payment fee. Courts accept Visa, MasterCard, checks and cash for payment. If you do not pay your fine in full, you must complete an application for a time payment order and show proof that you can not make payment.
Plead not guilty
This means that you are denying you committed the charge(s) against you. The Court will give you a trial or pre-trial date. If you choose this route, you have rights as a defendant.
Plead no contest
Under this plea, you are neither admitting nor denying the charges against you and are telling the court that you do not intend to contest the charges. The penalty may be the same as a guilty plea. The judge may consider an explanation before imposing a fine or penalty.
* Certain courts do allow defendants in some criminal traffic cases to enter pleas by mail or videophone link. If you want or need to use this option, you must call or write to the Justice Court as soon as possible after receiving your ticket.
To find out more about your legal rights, please fill out our case evaluation form. A traffic ticket lawyer in your area will evaluate your case free of charge.
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