Court Appearances

The law requires you to appear in Court on your case. If you were issued a citation, you have 20 working days from the date of the citation to contact the court. 

Please be aware that the court will not have your citation immediately after you receive it, as there are data entry delays. If you request a continuance, the court will notify you of your new appearance date. You or your attorney may appear in open court, by mail, or you may deliver your plea in person to the court.  There are certain instances where an appearance in open court is required.

Please note: A phone call is not an appearance.

The first appearance is to determine your plea. If you waive a jury trial and plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), you may talk to the Judge about any extenuating circumstances you wish to be considered when setting your fine. However, the Judge is not required to reduce your fine. Before pleading guilty or no contest you will want to read the section on pleas. 

You may pay your fine by mail. To do so you must include your written plea of guilty or no contest and a cashier’s check or money order for the full amount. The Court must receive your payment and written plea within 20 business days after your citation was issued. 

If you plead not guilty the Court must receive your plea, in writing by mail or in person, along with the indication whether you want a trial by judge or a trial by jury. Your case will then be set for trial and you will be notified of your court date.  You may also submit your request for a trial electronically through this form.