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Court Procedures

What to Expect on Your Court Date

The court date listed on your citation (ticket) is when you must appear in court and enter a plea. This means you will tell the court whether you are:

  • GUILTY

  • NOT GUILTY

  • NO CONTEST

Court Procedures and Your Rights

1. If this is your first court appearance for this citation:

    • When your name is called, report to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

    • You will be asked to enter a plea for the charge against you. Your options are:

      • NOT GUILTY: You deny the charge. Your case will be scheduled for trial at a later date.

      • GUILTY: You admit to the charge. The court will inform you of the penalty (called a “forfeiture”) and its due date. If you can’t pay right away, you may ask for up to 60 days to pay.

      • NO CONTEST: You are not admitting guilt but also not contesting the charge. You will still be found guilty, but this cannot be used as an admission of guilt in another legal case.

    • You may also request a continuance (a delay) before entering your plea if you need time to speak with a lawyer.

  • After entering your plea:

    • You may be able to reach a settlement with the Prosecutor instead of going to trial.

    • If an agreement is made, you will receive a written or emailed copy called a Stipulation.

    • A Judge will review the stipulation later, but is not required to accept it.

    • If the Judge rejects the agreement, you may be required to return to court.

    • It is your legal duty to keep the court updated with your current mailing address.

3. If this is not your first court appearance for the citation:

  • For example, if you’re returning to show a valid driver’s license or to request more time to pay your forfeiture:

    • You will be checked in to see the Judge.

    • When your name is called, go promptly to the front of the courtroom and face the Judge.

4. Special information for juveniles (under 17 years old):

  • If your case is not related to a traffic violation, you have the right to request a private hearing with the Judge.

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