Most people get a traffic ticket at one time or another. Ignoring this citation will compound the problem, adding extra penalties and possibly resulting in a warrant.
Review your options when facing a traffic ticket for speeding, running a red light or another moving violation in the Rochester area.
Plead guilty or not guilty
After getting a ticket, you have a certain number of days to enter a plea with the Rochester Traffic Violations Agency, which handles noncriminal tickets. You can either make a plea in person or send your plea by mail using the instructions on your ticket.
If you plead guilty, you will receive written notice of your fine amount and the deadline to pay. If you decide to plead not guilty, you can either agree to a reduced plea or ask for a conference with the traffic prosecutor.
Request a hearing
If you do not accept the reduced plea deal and cannot resolve your case at the conference, you can ask for a hearing with the agency’s judicial officer. However, he or she will not be able to offer your original plea deal at the traffic ticket hearing.
You can have attorney representation at the hearing or at any other point when dealing with the TVA. At this session, you can present evidence to support your case. The judicial officer will make a legally binding determination about whether you are guilty or not guilty.
If you do not respond to your traffic ticket, the city will suspend your driver’s license. The traffic agency may also find you guilty by default.