What happens if i get a citation

Your failure to appear may also result in other fines or assessments. Except under limited circumstances as provided by California law, payment of bail for a traffic infraction is not required to contest your ticket.

If you wish to schedule a trial without appearing first for an arraignment or you wish to have a trial by written declaration, you must pay the full bail which will be returned if you are found not guilty and the case is dismissed. See Vehicle Code sections and This section gives you links to other sites you may be interested in related to traffic issues.

If you click on a link below, you will be leaving the Self-Help website. California Department of Motor Vehicles. California DMV Publications. California Vehicle Code. Skip to main content Skip to topics menu Skip to topics menu. Cancel Print. Advanced Search. Types of Citations When an officer gives you a ticket, it is for one of three possible kinds of citations:.

Parking tickets. Infraction traffic tickets. Misdemeanor traffic tickets. The court may require payment of bail at arraignment before trial if: You do not sign a promise to appear as ordered by the court; or The court finds and states the reasons for the findings that, based on the circumstances of your particular case, you are unlikely to appear without a deposit of bail. Options After Getting a Traffic Ticket for Infractions When you get a traffic ticket, you must act before the due date on your "Notice to Appear" runs out.

Generally, when you get a traffic ticket, you can: Plead guilty and pay the traffic fine. If your citation includes correctable violations, such as expired registration, be sure to include the proof of correction. If it has not been corrected, you must appear in court to determine the proper fine amount.

When the court receives your payment, your case will be closed. You may also contact the court to find out the amount of your fine. All courts have websites that include information about traffic tickets, including information about how to pay traffic fines. Some courts allow online payment. Once you have paid your fine, the violation will show up as a conviction on your Department of Motor Vehicles DMV record.

You will get points on your driving record, and your car insurance company may ask you to pay more for insurance or they may cancel your policy and tell you to find insurance elsewhere. Points can stay on your record for three to seven years. If you are issued a ticket for a misdemeanor, that is considered an arrest. You are required to show up in court for your arraignment on the date and time noted on the citation.

Failure to appear can result in a criminal charge and the issuing of a bench warrant for your arrest. Failure to appear will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Violations If you have received a citation for a traffic or ordinance violation, one of the first things to do is check the court date and time on the citation. You can appear in court on that date and time or do any of the following options listed prior to the court date and time.

Failure to appear can result in additional fines, fees, suspension of your driving privileges and being sent to collections. If you were cited for Careless Driving with and accident and injury, Minor in Possession of Marijuana or Alcohol all are mandatory appearances, which can result in a suspension of your driving privileges.

Citation Process: Option 1 provides that you enter a plea of no contest and pay the amount of the presumptive fine stated on your citation.

As such, you would no longer need to personally appear on the date given on the citation. You will be notified by mail of the Judge's ruling. Option 3 If you wish to plead not guilty, you can enter a plea at the court office prior to the court date.