When do you have to go to court to fight a ticket?

When you have to appear in court to fight a ticket, you’ll have the opportunity to argue your case. You’ll either do this before a judge, or before both a judge and a jury. A judge trial means that a judge, also called a magistrate, will hear your case and offer a decision.

Why does my ticket require a mandatory court appearance?

The attorneys at Crescent City Law can appear on your behalf even when your ticket says you have a mandatory appearance, we will fight to reduce or even dismiss the charges, and keep other drivers from coming after you for money.

What happens at an arraignment for a traffic ticket?

If there are any arraignments on the calendar, the judge will normally get those out of the way first. For each traffic trial, the judge calls the case, and the officer and defendant (or the defendant’s attorney) come forward. If the officer isn’t there, the judge ordinarily dismisses the ticket.

What happens when you show up for traffic court?

When you show up for court on your trial date, the routine is similar to that of arraignment day. But usually, all the cases on the court’s calendar will be traffic trials. If there are any arraignments on the calendar, the judge will normally get those out of the way first.

What should I say in traffic court if I get a ticket?

Be polite in traffic court while explaining why you were ticketed to a judge. Depending on the circumstances leading up to your ticket, the judge could lower your fine or dismiss the case. Most traffic ticket fines can be paid by mail without a court appearance. However, you must plead guilty and pay the maximum fine.

Can a judge lower the fine for a traffic ticket?

However, some states prohibit judges from giving the driver a break in this way. And even in states where judges are allowed to lower fines, they might not be able to for certain offenses. Judges in some states can require drivers who plead not guilty to post bail. Judges often set the bail at the amount of the fine for the traffic violation.

What happens if you plead no contest to a traffic ticket?

At the arraignment, drivers typically have two options: Admit to the traffic violation. You admit guilt by pleading guilty or “no contest ” to the offense. Though you aren’t required to explain why you broke the law, many judges will give you a short amount of time to do so.