Will I Have to Appear in Court for a Traffic Ticket?

Getting pulled over while driving is never a fun time. Even if you already know the reason why, facing a police officer can be a nerve-wracking experience.

If you were speeding or ran a red light, you could be facing a traffic ticket. You may wonder what happens when you receive one. Will you have to go to court?

Appearing before a judge can be terrifying, so going to court is something that most people want to avoid. The good news is that you do not always have to appear in court if you receive a traffic ticket in Old Bridge, New Jersey. However, there are situations in which a court appearance is required. Here is what you need to know.

When You Must Appear

Mandatory court appearances are typically required for more serious traffic offenses, such as:

• Reckless driving, DUI/DWI, or leaving the scene of an accident
• Crashes involving injury or significant property damage

You must also appear in court if you wish to dispute or contest the ticket and plead not guilty. Also, you are required to appear if the ticket is marked “Court Appearance Required” for any other reason. The officer will usually note this on the citation, and there will be a date and time listed.

Keep in mind that if you are required to appear in court, you absolutely must do what you can to make sure you show up. Failure to do so can result in additional penalties, including license suspension, higher fines, or even a warrant for your arrest. If you’re unsure if you need to go to court, contact the municipal court listed on the citation.

When You Are Not Required to Go to Court

Many minor infractions, such as speeding, failing to signal, or equipment violations, are considered “payable offenses.” These can usually be resolved by paying the fine.

If the ticket does not require a court appearance, you can simply pay the fine and be done. There will likely be instructions on the ticket on how to do so, but generally, you can go to NJMCdirect.com and make a payment. However, if you pay the fine, that means you are pleading guilty to the violation. This means you may get points on your driving record, and your insurance rates could increase.

Even if your ticket is payable, appearing in court can sometimes be beneficial. An attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce points, lower fines, or amend the charge to a lesser offense.

Contact Us Today

Not all traffic violations require you to appear in court. Lesser charges can be handled by simply paying a fine, but if you want to contest the ticket, you do have options.

Phillip E. Miller can help you understand these options. We aim to serve as an experienced advocate for drivers. If you are facing any type of traffic offense, we are more than ready to help. Our team is focused on finding the best solution. Schedule a consultation today. Contact us via (732) 679-3434 or online here.