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The size of the fine imposed by the court will depend on the severity of the
offense, whether state law requires a minimum fine for the offense, whether
there are any mitigating circumstances, and whether the person has been convicted
of prior offenses. Please note that the base fine indicated on a violation
ticket is the amount the court may forfeit if the person who received the
ticket does not respond by the time specified to appear in court.
If a person who receives a ticket believes
there are mitigating circumstances the court should consider
before imposing a fine, he or she may:
1. Plead guilty or no contest with an
explanation to the judge at the court appearance, or
2.
Sign the back of the ticket pleading Guilty or No Contest at Option #2, send
a check or money order for the full amount of the base fine, along with a letter
explaining the circumstances, to the court. The judge will review the letter
and may return some or all of the bail if appropriate.
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