Traffic Court Judges

Purpose

To formally establish the judicial authority, duties, and procedural limits of Traffic Court Judges within the San Andreas Judiciary, specifically in the adjudication of civil traffic infractions under Title II: Vehicle Code.

Position Overview

A Traffic Court Judge is a sworn judicial officer appointed or assigned to preside over civil infraction hearings related to violations of the Vehicle Code. Traffic Court Judges are tasked with the impartial resolution of non-criminal motor vehicle matters.

Authority

Traffic Court Judges derive authority from the San Andreas Justice Department and Vehicle Code and are empowered to:

• Hear and adjudicate civil traffic infractions, including but not limited to:

  • Moving violations (e.g., speeding, failure to yield, stop sign violations)

  • Equipment and licensing infractions

  • Parking and abandonment offenses

  • Bicycle and motorcycle violations

• Issue binding rulings, including:

  • Determination of liability by preponderance of the evidence

  • Imposition of statutory fines

  • Recommendations for license suspension (where prescribed by code)

  • Dismissal of citations due to evidentiary or procedural defects

• Enforce courtroom decorum and compliance via:

  • Issuance of subpoenas

  • Mandating appearance in response to a lawful summons

  • Holding individuals in contempt under §300.15, with sentencing discretion

• Interpret and apply the Vehicle Code in accordance with:

  • Codified definitions under Chapter 1

  • Statutory purpose of ensuring public roadway safety and legal compliance

  • Judicial canons of ethics and fairness

Duties and Responsibilities

Traffic Court Judges are responsible for:

• Conducting fair and impartial hearings on all traffic infractions brought before the court.

• Reviewing case files, officer statements, and any admissible evidence submitted by defendants.

• Making findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the Vehicle Code.

• Educating defendants on applicable traffic laws and expectations for future compliance.

• Documenting rulings in official court records or judicial databases.

• Reporting license suspension recommendations to the Court Clerk’s Office when applicable.

• Presiding over calendar dockets efficiently and professionally.

Contempt of Court Enforcement (Per §300.15)

Traffic Court Judges may invoke Contempt of Court sanctions for:

• Willful failure to comply with a court order or subpoena

• Disruption of proceedings

• Disrespectful or belligerent conduct toward the judge or court staff

• Attempts to undermine or obstruct justice

Contempt may be charged as a Misdemeanor or Felony at the judge’s discretion, and sentencing authority is retained within the scope provided by law.

Limitations

Traffic Court Judges shall not:

• Adjudicate criminal charges (e.g., DUIs, hit and runs, driving on a suspended license)

• Issue arrest warrants unless related to failure to appear in civil matters

• Sentence individuals to jail for the underlying infraction (jail may only apply through contempt powers)