What if I can't keep my court date appearance?

Your appearance is not required at court unless indicated on the ticket with the appearance required box checked. If you are planning to plea not guilty, you may do so in writing prior to your court date and the court clerk will set a Pretrial Conference appointment and notify you of that date and time. If you want to appear at your court date but can't due to illness or other reasons, you should call the court clerk and ask for a continuance. The Judge allows each defendant one continuance. Remember, if you have a Pretrial appointment or are granted a continuance and you do not appear or call, a no contest plea is entered into the court record and you are automatically found guilty.