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A Traffic Ticket -- What to do?
What types of cases are heard in Traffic
Court?
The Traffic Division of the County Court is set-up to hear criminal
traffic cases and civil infractions. Criminal traffic cases are heard by
County Court judges.
What is a criminal traffic charge?
This is a charge, such as Driver under the Influence, which, in most
cases, requires a court appearance and it carries with it criminal
penalties which may include a fine and/or the possibility of a jail
term. Contact the Clerk's Office at (850) 689-5000 or (850) 651-7200 to see if a
court appearance is required. Some criminal traffic cases can be resolved
without a court appearance.
What is a civil traffic infraction?
A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal charge that can usually be
disposed of by payment of a civil penalty or an election to attend a
defensive driving course. A court appearance is not required, except in
cases where the violation involves an accident with serious bodily injury
to another. Payment can be made by mail by using the traffic envelope
provided by the officer or to:
Clerk of Court
Traffic Division
101 E. James Lee Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536-1359
or
Clerk of Court
Traffic Division
1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite B-110
Shalimar, FL 32579
or
Click Here to
Pay your Traffic Citation Online or by Phone
How soon after issuance must I pay the ticket?
Infraction violations must be paid within thirty (30) calendar days from
the date the ticket was issued.
What happens if the ticket is not paid timely?
A suspension will be entered against your driver's license, which could
affect your insurance rates and subject you to additional penalties.
Are there other options available to me other than
paying my ticket?
Yes, payable civil infractions may be satisfied by entering a
plea of not
guilty, by electing to attend a driver improvement course, or by
submitting an Affidavit of Compliance in cases involving safety equipment
violations which have been corrected by you. Also, traffic tickets written
for no valid driver's license, no registration certificate or no proof of
insurance can be dismissed for $10.00 provided you furnish proof that you
had the document at the time you were charged.
How do I enter a not guilty plea to a civil traffic
infraction?
You must notify the Clerk's Office, in person or in writing, within the
required time frame. Your case will be scheduled for an infraction hearing
where you will be formally advised of the charge against you.
Who will be present at the hearing?
The officer who issued the traffic ticket and any other witnesses called
by the officer or any other witnesses that you wish to call to testify on
your behalf.
What must I do if the court finds me guilty?
If you are found guilty of a civil traffic infraction, the court may
assess the fine and costs, order you to attend a
defensive driving course
or impose other penalties. If you should fail to pay the fine and costs in
the time allotted you by the court, a suspension will be issued against
your driver's license and additional penalties will be imposed.
Can the Clerk's Office advise me of points assessed
against my license?
No, deputy clerks cannot advise you on the number of points assessed
against your driver history record or how points will affect your
insurance. You must address these concerns to the
Bureau of Driver
Licenses and/or your insurance agent.
Click Here to
Pay your Traffic Citation Online or by Phone!
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