If so, it is always best to appeal the citation! When you pay the fine on the citation, you are claiming responsibility for the violation. Once this violation is added to your driving record, it could cause your insurance rates to increase, and if your job involves driving then your employment could be at risk.
You have the right to appeal a civil motor vehicle infraction. If you elect to appeal the citation, you will be granted a Clerk Magistrate hearing to determine whether or not you should be found responsible for the citation.
You have 20 days from the date of the citation being written to either request a hearing or pay the citation in full. If you do not request a hearing or pay the citation in full within 20 days, you will lose the right to a hearing, you will have to pay substantial late fees, and your driver’s license will be suspended/revoked. Additionally, you will not be allowed to renew an expired license until the matter is resolved.
These types of traffic violations are purely civil in nature, not criminal, so the police department that issued the citation must only establish by a preponderance of the evidence that you committed the violation. In other words, they must show that it is more likely than not that you committed the violation.
Even though these traffic violations are not criminal matters, you can still easily find yourself in serious trouble in connection with a civil motor vehicle infraction. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these matters and will walk you through the entire process.
