Traffic Court
Traffic Court
The Traffic Court is a designated division of the Judiciary responsible for hearing and resolving non-criminal motor vehicle violations, including but not limited to speeding, reckless driving, illegal parking, and failure to obey traffic signals. All individuals summoned to Traffic Court are expected to comply with the following procedures and conduct guidelines to ensure efficient and fair resolution of their cases.
Required Documents for Traffic Court Appearance
All individuals scheduled to appear in Traffic Court must bring the following items with them:
Valid Driver’s License: A current and valid driver’s license must be presented at the time of your hearing to verify identity and eligibility to operate a motor vehicle.
Citation Number: This is the unique number listed on your traffic ticket. It is essential for locating your case within the court system.
Invoice Number (if applicable): If payment has already been initiated or processed, bring the invoice number for verification and review.
Relevant Evidence: Bring any and all evidence that supports your case. This may include photographs, dashcam footage, witness statements, repair receipts, or any documentation that you believe is relevant to your defense.
Failure to provide the above documents may result in delays, rescheduling, or dismissal of your ability to present your case.
Conduct During Proceedings
All individuals in Traffic Court must adhere to proper courtroom etiquette, including:
Dressing in appropriate, respectful attire.
Addressing the Judge as "Your Honor."
Refraining from disruptive behavior, including talking out of turn or using cell phones during the hearing.
Only the defendant or their authorized legal representative may speak on their behalf unless otherwise permitted by the Judge.
Hearing Process
At the hearing:
The Judge will call each case in the order deemed appropriate.
The citing officer may be present to provide testimony.
The defendant will have the opportunity to present their case, including any evidence or witnesses.
The Judge will review all information and issue a ruling, which may include dismissal of charges, a reduction in fines, assignment of traffic school, or full enforcement of the original citation.
Case Referrals to Traffic Court
This policy ensures that traffic misdemeanors are handled in an efficient, fair, and streamlined manner while preserving the Defendant’s right to choose how their case is heard.
Eligibility for Referral
Misdemeanor traffic offenses that do not involve serious bodily harm, DUI, or felony-level charges may be eligible for referral to Traffic Court.
The decision to refer a case will be made by a Judge or authorized judicial officer upon review of the case request.
Defendant Consent
Before a referral to Traffic Court can proceed, the Defendant must be contacted and provide informed consent to waive their right to a jury trial and instead agree to a bench trial presided over by a Traffic Court Judge.
The consent must be voluntary, and the Defendant must understand that the case will be adjudicated solely by a Judge without a jury.
Involvement of Legal Counsel
Both a State Attorney and the Defendant’s legal counsel (if applicable) may be present during the referral discussion to ensure transparency and legal clarity.
Legal counsel shall ensure the Defendant fully understands the nature and implications of proceeding in Traffic Court.
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