Pending Citation

August 4, 2011

Question: I received a ticket on May 11 of this year but have not received any notes about my fine. Should I just go to the court at the address listed on the ticket? (Ginsue Y.)

Answer: Yes, you must contact the court on or prior to the date shown on your copy of the citation. According to DFG Lt. Todd Tognazzini, many courts in California send out formal courtesy notices with further instructions about how to handle your ticket, but some do not. This notice often provides instructions about your options which may include paying a fine through the mail or appearing before the court. Many courts also have an online method for handling citations.  When you were cited, you were provided a specific date on which to appear in court. If you have not heard from the court and an online search or call to the court does not help, it is critical to appear on the date and time indicated on your citation. Failure to do so may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

you will typically see the date to appear near where you sign. It may be a check box or it may be a filled in hand written date.

The answer to the question is clearly stated on the citation, hope the delay doesn't cost'em too much.