Traffic ticket cases “Courtesy Notices” mailed to you after you have been cited are not required. When you get a ticket or citation, you sign a receipt for the ticket which is given to you and you promise to appear at the date time and place indicated on the citation. No further notice is required since you have been advised and acknowleged your court date.
A “Courtesy Notice” is usally sent to individuals who have been cited for a traffic violation and recieved a traffic ticket or other infraction citation which is heard in the Minor Offense or Traffic Court. This notice generally reminds you of your Court date and charges. It often will state whether you are eligible for traffic school to keep it off your record and whether it may simply be paid prior to the Court date without an appearance. Failure to appear or have an attorney appear for you according to your citation written promise to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest, a failure to appear charge, a civil assessment, a hold on your license or all of the above.
It is no excuse or defense you did not receive the “Courtesy Notice” to appear. Usually the defenses to failure to appear involve some reason which made your appearance per your signature impossible, like jail, military deployment, hospitalization or other reason you were prevented from appearing. “I forgot”, did not receive a Courtesy Notice, had a business trip, was out of the area generally are not recognized. If you have failed to appear, an attorney can appear for you, and may be able to help resolve the case, lift the hold on your license, reduce or eliminate your failure to appear or civil assessment and even set the case for trial. Contact Christoph Law Offices at 760-941-5720 for a free initial consultation and let us help you understand your options. We have been across from Vista Courts for over 32 years and can provide the highest level of personal and professional representation
