A violator will have 10 business days from the date of the offense to appear before the Court.  The Appearance Date is not an actual Court Date, it is a date that you must appear before the Court to determine how to handle the citation received.  If your Appearance date falls on a weekend or holiday you will be allowed to appear the following Monday (check City website for observed holidays).  

Note:  If you are 16 years of age or younger you are required to appear, with your parent or legal guardian, before the Judge and make a plea in open court.  You will be notified by US Mail when your scheduled Court date is. 

Note:  If you are 20 years of age or younger AND committed an Alcohol, Drug, or Tobacco offense,  you are required to appear before the Judge and make a plea in open court.  You will be notified by US Mail when your scheduled Court date is.

You will have one of the following options: 

1) Plea of Guilty or No Contest 
(a)  Pay the Fine and Court Costs (contact the court to find out the exact amount associated with your                         case); OR
(b)  Request Deferred Disposition* - Refer to TAB "Deferral Information"; OR
(c)  Request Driving Safety Course* - Refer to TAB "Deferral Information"; OR 
(d)  Request Payment Plan (submit plea form and payment plan application); OR 
(e)  Show Compliance (contact the court regarding violations eligible for compliance dismissals)
2) Plea of Not Guilty
(a) Request a Jury or Bench Trial.  Refer to TAB "Request a Trial".

*If you hold a COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE you are not eligible to take a Driver Safety Course or request a Deferred Disposition if your citation involved a moving violation.

Click here for a PLEA FORM.

STANDING ORDER: APPEARANCES, DOCKETS, & CONTINUANCES

If you need more information try TAB "Common Questions".