Offenses Requiring an Appearance Before a Judge

Appearances with Parents

The following traffic offenses require the child and a parent or guardian to appear together in Juvenile Traffic Court for a hearing before a judge:

• Reckless driving
• Improper passing on a hill or curve
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Any speeding violation over 24 miles per hour
• Any person charged with a traffic offense involving an accident
• Any person who has previously admitted at traffic charge or paid a bond forfeiture for a traffic charge

If you are accused of one of the above offenses you will receive a letter advising you of your court date. You should report to court for arraignment on that date. If you are adjudicated to have committed one of the above offenses, the court is required to suspend your driver's license. You should also expect to pay a fine. You may also receive other penalties as authorized by law.

Appearances or Bond Forfeitures

All other traffic offenders have an option of appearing in court for a hearing or paying a bond forfeiture at the clerk's office. The child will receive a mailed notice advising them of a court date for arraignment and may appear along with a parent or guardian for arraignment before a judge at that time. If the accused chooses not to contest the charge and wishes to pay a scheduled fine (in the form of a bond forfeiture), the child and parent or guardian may come to the Juvenile Court clerk's office during business hours any time before the scheduled court date, the clerk will receive your payment, and this will complete the case.