As a Courtesy to our Clients and Future Clients, we have posted the following FAQ released by the Superior Court of California.
HOW LONG WILL MY TRIAL TAKE?
• Although most trials proceed quickly, there are usually many trials on calendar. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early and to spend 2 to 4 hours in court.
HOW DO I ARRANGE FOR MY WITNESS(ES) TO TESTIFY?
• If you have witness(es) necessary for your defense, ask them to appear on your trial date.
• If your witness(es) will not voluntarily appear, you may obtain subpoena forms at any courthouse
handling traffic matters or at the court’s website at www.lacourt.org under “Traffic Forms.” These forms should be processed well in advance of your trial date.
WHEN DO I PRESENT MY EVIDENCE?
• You may present evidence such as photos, diagrams, reports, or any other exhibits at your trial.
WILL THE OFFICER WHO WROTE THE CITATION BE IN COURT?
• The officer will be notified of the trial date.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM LATE OR DO NOT APPEAR FOR TRIAL?
• The court may forfeit your baiL close the case, and a conviction may appear on your driving record.
• If you did not post baiL the court may add charges, suspend your license, proceed to trial without your appearance, pursuant to Vehicle Code section 40903(a), and add a $300 civil assessment
pursuant to Penal Code section 1214.1.
Contact Fix-A-Ticket NOW for a FREE Consultation!
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OFFICER DOES NOT APPEAR FOR TRIAL?
• If the officer does not appear and you do, the violation may be dismissed. All rulings are at the
discretion of the judicial officer.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET TO COURT?
• The bailiff/clerk will check you in and give some preliminary instructions.
• The judicial officer will listen to statements from both sides. You may present your case by questioning your witness(es) and presenting your evidence.
• The judicial officer will make a ruling.
• Pursuant to Government Code section 72190 and California Rules of Court rules 2.810-2.816, the judicial officer hearing your trial has the authority to rule on infraction matters.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM FOUND GUILTY?
• If you are found guilty, a sentence and a fine will be imposed. If you posted baiL your original bail
amount will be applied to your fine and a conviction will appear on your driving record. If you were
released on your own recognizance and did not post baiL you will be given a due date to pay the fine.
• If you are found guilty and your fine is suspended, a portion of your bail will be refunded within 4
weeks (excludes any mandatory fees).
Contact Fix-A-Ticket NOW for a FREE Consultation!
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM FOUND NOT GUILTY?
• If you are found not guilty, your case will be dismissed. If you posted baiL it will be refunded within
4 weeks, and the case will not be reported on your driving record. It is your responsibility to ensure
that your current address is on file with the court.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY TRIAL DATE?
• You may change your trial date only once, in person or by mail.
• The request must be made 1 0 court days prior to the trial date, no exceptions.