Do I need to appear in court if I choose to plead guilty and pay the fine?

If the "Court Appearance Required" box has not been checked on the complaint and if the charge is listed on either the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule or the Local Violations Bureau Schedule, you may pay the fine without appearing in court. The Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule is a list of state offenses that may be paid without going to court. The Local Violations Schedule is a list of municipal ordinances that may be paid without going to court.

You may pay your fine at the court's payment window, by mail, or pay your fine online. If you pay without going to court, you will be pleading guilty and giving up your right to a lawyer and your right to a trial. Court appearances are always required in criminal matters.

Note: Payments are due by the date at the bottom of the Summons. The date on the bottom of your ticket is not necessary for your court date - please read the back of your summons. If you are not sure, please contact the Court. If you have received a paperwork violation notice, you must still appear in court.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Municipal Court?
2. What are my rights as a defendant in the Municipal Court?
3. Do I need to appear in court if I choose to plead guilty and pay the fine?
4. If I can plead guilty without going to court, how much will I have to pay?
5. How many points is my ticket?
6. What should I expect when I go to court?
7. What is a plea agreement?
8. What happens if I plead guilty in court?
9. What if I plead not guilty?
10. Can I use the Internet to find more information or to plead guilty and pay a fine?
11. If I am found guilty, what happens after court?
12. How can I appeal a decision of the court?
13. What happens when the court's orders are not obeyed?
14. What is mediation?