Receive a Citation? What do you do now?

Violations vs. Crimes

Citations fall into two categories: Violations and Crimes. The appropriate box at the top of the ticket will have been checked by the police officer to designate which is charged.

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 choose one of the options listed on the back of the citation prior to the court date and time. If the person cited does not appear and has not contacted the court, a Guilty by Default judgment is imposed, and additional fees added before and after the case is sent to a private collection agency and driving privileges suspended.

Crimes:  If the ticket is for a criminal matter, you must appear in court at the date and time designated at the bottom of the citation. If the person cited does not appear, a warrant for failure to appear will be issued for the person's arrest.