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The law requires you to appear in court on your case. If you were
issued a citation, your appearance date is noted on the citation. If
you have been released on bond, your appearance date is set on the
bond. If you request a continuance, the court will notify you of
your new appearance date. You or your attorney may appear in person
in open court, by mail, or you may deliver your plea in person to
the court.
Your first appearance is to determine your plea. If you waive a jury
trial and plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), you may talk
to the judge about extenuating circumstances that you want the judge
to consider when setting your fine, but the judge is not required to
reduce your fine. Before pleading guilty or no contest you will want
to read the section on pleas. If you plead not guilty, the court
will schedule a jury trial unless you waive that right. If you do,
the trial will be before the judge. When you make your appearance by
mail, the court must receive your plea before your scheduled
appearance date. If you plead guilty or no contest, you must include
a waiver of jury trial. If you plead not guilty, the court will
notify you of the date of your trial.
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