Pleas/Options
You should read the following explanations of all three types of pleas and think carefully before making your decision of which plea you should use:
Pleas
Plea of Guilty
By a plea of guilty, you admit that the act is prohibited by law, and that you have no defense or excuse for the act. A plea of guilty can be used against you later in a civil suit if there was a traffic accident (another party can say you were at fault or responsible for the accident because you plead guilty to the traffic charge).
Plea of Nolo Contendere (no contest)
A plea of nolo contendere means that you do not contest the State’s charge against you. Also, a plea of nolo contendere cannot be used against you in a subsequent civil suit for damages.
Plea of Not Guilty
A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the Court that you deny guilt or that you have a good defense in your case, and that the State must prove what it has charged against you. If you plead not guilty, you will need to decide whether to hire an attorney to represent you or represent yourself in court.
Options
Option 1: Plead Guilty or Nolo Contendere (no contest)
Submit plea, in writing, and pay your ticket in full before 30 days have past from the date on your ticket. Pleading guilty can be accomplished with a letter in the mail or by coming to the office to sign a plea form. You may also choose from the following options-
Driving Safety Course
30 Day Extension and/or Payment Plan
Option 2: Plead not guilty
This can be accomplished by returning the Not-Guilty Plea Form through the mail or by coming in person to the Court office to request a Trial. This must be done before 30 days have past from the date on the ticket. The case will be set for a pre-trial court session prior to a trial date being scheduled. A courtesy letter will be mailed approximately ten days prior to the trial date. You will need to bring any witnesses with you, the day of the trial.
Option 3: Plead guilty or Nolo Contendere (no contest)
Submit, in writing, within 30 days from the date on your ticket requesting a court date. You can set your case for an arraignment session to explain circumstances, request community service, or to just talk to the judge. Arraignment sessions are held the third Thursday of each month. If you request this option, you will be mailed a courtesy letter reminding you of your court date and time approximately ten days before the court date.