How to Respond to a Notice of Violation

There are different types of violations, including traffic violations and noise ordinances. In many cases you will be unaware that you were violating a law. If you are in violation, notice must be given to you, usually in the form of a ticket, and you can respond in person or via the mail. No matter how you choose to respond, you have a limited time in which to do it.

• 1

  Weigh all the facts, including the fee for the violation, the validity of the violation and the practicality of going to court. Decide how you want to respond to the notice of violation. In cases that hinge on paper documentation, you can request a hearing by mail; these cases, adjudicated by the the Mail Unit, commonly involve documents, permits and licenses. Note that if you choose to go to the court and speak to the judge it is possible to get penalties decreased or deferred if it is a first time offense.

• 2

  Pay the required penalty if you choose to admit that you violated the rule or law that you received notice for. You will forfeit the possibility of lower payments, payment plans and deferments if you choose to mail in your payment.

• 3

  Attend the court hearing indicated on the ticket if you plan to contest the notice; a date and time will be listed. Keep in mind that the judge will have the final say as to whether or not you are guilty, and you may still have to pay the fine. In most cases, legal representation is not needed unless you decide that you want to go to trial. The trial process can take up to a year or longer, depending on the violation, before your case gets resolved.