How do I navigate the court process if I am cited for an infraction, like a traffic ticket, in California?

To handle a traffic infraction in California, you must respond to the ticket by the deadline to choose how you will plead and resolve the matter with the court. You can either admit guilt and accept the penalty or plead not guilty and fight the citation in court. Here is how to navigate the process: Step 1: Review Your Citation Your ticket is a "Notice to Appear." Carefully read it to find the courthouse address, your deadline to respond (the "due date"), and the specific violation code. Note whether the officer marked it as a "correctable" violation, often called a "fix-it" ticket. Step 2: Respond to the Court by the Deadline You must contact the court on or before the due date listed on your ticket. You can usually do this online through the court's website (found on your ticket), by mail, or in person. Missing this deadline can result in a "Failure to Appear," which is a separate misdemeanor charge and can lead to a driver's license suspension. Step 3: Choose How to Proceed You have several options. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will pay the full fine, called "bail." If eligible, you can also request to attend traffic school to prevent a point from being added to your DMV record. If you plead not guilty, you are requesting a trial to contest the ticket. Step 4: Contest the Ticket (If Pleading Not Guilty) You can fight the ticket in two ways. You can request a Trial by Written Declaration, where you and the officer submit written statements for a judge to review. Alternatively, you can request an in-person Court Trial, where you appear before a judge to present evidence and question the citing officer. You will typically be required to post the full bail amount to schedule a trial, which is refunded if you win. Important considerations: For "fix-it" tickets (like a broken taillight), get the problem fixed, have a law enforcement officer sign off on your citation, and present that proof to the court. You will usually pay a small administrative fee to have the charge dismissed. If you are eligible for traffic school, you must still pay the full fine plus a separate traffic school fee. Note: Ignoring a ticket has serious consequences. A conviction for a moving violation will add points to your driving record, which can increase your insurance rates and risk a license suspension from the DMV. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or if your license is at risk, consult with a qualified California attorney.