Traffic Ticket Frequently Asked Questions

STATE OF COLORADO

First Judicial District

Jefferson County

TRAFFIC TICKET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I live out of state and received a traffic ticket in Jefferson County. Do I have to come to court?

Yes. If you cannot make your court date, you can hire private counsel to appear on your behalf. Our office cannot recommend a lawyer, but you may call Metro Lawyers Referral at 303-831-8000. If you do not appear on your scheduled court date, a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest.

2. I cannot appear on my scheduled court date. May I reschedule?

Due to high volume, Jefferson County Court does not postpone any initial appearances in traffic cases. However, once the court has received your ticket from the issuing police agency, you may make an early appearance. To inquire about making an early appearance, call 303-271-6237. Please have pen, paper, and your ticket available when you call.

3. My son/daughter received a traffic ticket. Can I appear on their behalf?

No. The ticketed driver must be present and a parent or legal guardian must appear if the driver was a minor for any court proceeding.

4. I paid my ticket within the twenty day grace period through the mail, but my check/money order never cleared and/or was returned to me. Do I have to come to court?

Yes. If your check did not clear or was returned to you, a court appearance is required. You must appear on the date and time indicated on your ticket/summons. You may also contact 303-271-6237 to confirm your ticket has been received by the courts.

5. The twenty days to pay by mail has passed. Can I still pay by mail and avoid a court appearance?

No. Once the twenty days has elapsed, a court appearance is required. You must appear on the date and time indicated on your ticket/summons.

6. What happens when I come to court?

You will need to pass through security and will then see a monitor that lists cases by last name. Look for your name and report to designated courtroom (courtroom 1A or 1B depending on the type of ticket). Check in with the clerk in the front of the courtroom. Typically, you will have the opportunity to meet with a deputy district attorney prior to entering a plea. If you plead not guilty, you will schedule your next court appearance. In most cases if you plead guilty, you will proceed to immediate sentencing and fines and costs will be assessed at this time. The clerk will give you a copy of your disposition paperwork and direct you to the Traffic and Criminal counter in the clerk’s office to pay any fines and costs.

7. How do I pay my fines? What if I’m unable to pay the full amount?

Payment of fines and costs are due on the day the sentence is imposed. Jefferson County Combined Courts accepts payment in the form of cash, first party check, money order, travelers’ check, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.

If you are unable to pay in full on this date, you can meet with a collections investigator to determine if you qualify for a payment plan. A $25 time payment fee is assessed to all payment plans.

8. How long will all this take?

The length of this court process varies depending on the volume of cases set on the docket on any given day. In most divisions, cases are called in the order in which defendants check in with the clerk.

11/2012