If you received a citation you should thoroughly read the back of the citation for instructions on how to proceed. Once you determine how you are going to plea follow the directions on the back of the citation. You do not have to appear in court unless you entered a not guilty plea and are scheduled for trial.
If the citation is for a problem you can fix, such as expired tags, fix it immediately. Check the Violations Bureau to see your options. You may be able to resolve your ticket before your first court date. Do not miss your court date. If you wish to take care of your citation on-line or by mail, you must do so on or before your court date and time. If you fail to appear, you will be convicted and fined. You will be assessed a fail to appear fee and your fine may be increased to the maximum allowed by law, and you could lose your license.
If you wish to appear in court, please refer to the appearance date and time on your citation. At your first court date you may enter a plea of no contest or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a trial date and time will be set, and you will receive a trial notice. If you plea no contest, the Judge will determine the facts from the face of the ticket and enter a conviction. Fine amounts are set by a look at the facts, your driving record and your attitude.
If you have questions, contact the Violations Bureau by calling: 503-786-7543 during normal business hours.
