Traffic Tickets
Most traffic tickets can be taken care of ahead of your court appearance, and usually within 7 days of receiving the citation. The court date and time listed on your ticket is for arraignment, and the purpose of arraignment on a violation is to enter a plea.
You may plead one of two ways on a violation:
- No Contest. A plea of "no contest" is not an admission of guilt. The court will find you guilty and impose a fine. OR
- Not Guilty. A “not guilty” plea means you are contesting the charge against you. If you plead not guilty, the court will not consider any explanation until the time set for trial.
Court Clerks are available, and have been granted the authority by the judge, to assist you with court matters ahead of your arraignment date in the same manner that they would be handled on the day of arraignment. They can accept your plea and offer the same options for requesting a trial, setting up a payment plan, and determining eligibility for classes or fine reductions.
For high school students and teens under 18, whether you intend to enter a no contest plea or request a trial, an in person appearance accompanied by a parent or guardian is mandatory for arraignment. Online payments, plea entry, or letters of explanation will not be accepted in lieu of an appearance before the judge.
