Deny Responsibility:
You have the right to deny responsibility and contest the original charge on your citation. Contact the court within 10 days of receiving the citation to schedule the appropriate hearing.

  • Informal hearing: No attorneys will be present, a Judge will listen to the testimony of you and the police officer who wrote the citation. You will be found either "responsible" or "not responsible". If you are found responsible, you will pay fines, costs and assessments. If required, the court will report the findings to the Secretary of State and points may appear on your driving record.
  • Pre-formal hearing: You meet with the Prosecutor for the purpose of trying to reach a plea agreement. If successful, the plea agreement will be recorded in front of the Judge.  The Police Officer who issued the citation will not be present at this hearing.
  • A Formal hearing: This hearing is before a Judge. All parties may be represented by attorneys. The judge will listen to testimony by both parties and find you either "not responsible" or "responsible." If the judge finds you responsible, you will pay fines, costs, and assessments. If required, the court will report the finding to the Secretary of State and points may appear on your driving record.
Please note:
  • Points are assessed by the Secretary of State, not the Court.  The 35th District Court does not have the ability to waive, raise or lower points on a violation.
  • Fines and Costs are due at the time of assessment; and will therefore be due on your court date if you are found resonsible.