Understanding Court Appearances

Mandatory Court Appearance Charges

Certain offenses under state and local law require a mandatory appearance before a judge due to their serious nature and potential impact on public safety. These violations cannot be resolved by simply paying a fine and must be addressed in court.

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Offenses requiring a mandatory court appearance include, but are not limited to:

• DUI

• Driving with a suspended license

• Driving without insurance

• Speeding in excess of 24 miles per hour over the posted limit

• Aggressive driving

• Laying drags

• Leaving the scene of an accident

• Passing a stopped school bus

• Commercial vehicle littering

• Accidents caused by unsecured loads

• Shoplifting

• Underage drinking or possession of alcohol

• Furnishing alcohol to a minor

• Possession of drugs

• Animal cruelty

• Animal attacks on humans

• Attempting to elude law enforcement

• Public indecency.

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Failure to appear in court as required may result in additional penalties, including fines, license suspension, or a warrant for arrest.

Non-Mandatory Court Appearance

For violations that do not require a mandatory court appearance, tickets may be resolved by paying the fine in advance without appearing before a judge. Payment must be made in person by 4:00 p.m. on the day of your assigned court date, or online by midnight the day before your assigned court date. Once payment is received, no court appearance is required.