Civil Traffic Matters
You have just received a complaint and you are asking yourself what do you do next? If your complaint is a Criminal Traffic charge, Criminal Misdemeanor charge, or a Civil Traffic charge that is not on the Fine/Sanction Schedule (bond card) you must appear in court on the appearance date and time listed on the lower right hand corner of your complaint. If you have been charged with a Civil Traffic charge, listed below are a few options:
If you are a juvenile (under the age of 18), regardless of your charge(s), you must appear in person on your initial appearance date WITH A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
OPTION #1- Pay Fine in Full:
You may pay your fine by mail (see directions below) or appear on or before the date and time listed on your complaint.
In order to pay your fine in full by mail, you must do so prior to the appearance date indicated on the bottom right hand corner of your complaint.
a. Look at the middle of your complaint on the left hand side and find the SECTION number of the violation (EX: A.R.S §28- 701).
b. Look at the FINE/SANCTION SCHEDULE (bond card) to find the fine/sanction for the section number on your complaint.
c. Mail your check, money order or cashier’s check payable to SAHUARITA MUNICIPAL COURT (no cash please) to the address on the Fine/Sanction Schedule card.
d. Write the complaint number (top left hand corner of complaint) on your check, money order or cashier’s check.
Note: A $25.00 fee will be assessed on any returned check for nonsufficent funds.
e. If you do not have a copy of a Fine/Sanction Schedule (bond card) please submit the following statement on a piece of plain paper signed, dated, and with a valid address.
“I wish to plead responsible to the charge(s) listed on my complaint. I am enclosing the
amount listed on the Fine/Sanction schedule and I do not want a hearing. By choosing
this option I understand that the case will be finished and I do not have to appear in court.”
If a bond card was given to you with your complaint, follow the instructions on page 2.
Note: Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will require you to attend Traffic Survival School(TSS) if you plead responsible for Red Light Violation(s) 28-645A3A or 28-647 or for any moving violation if under age 18 (first offense). However, if you are eligible for Defensive Driving School and complete the class, the violation will be dismissed and MVD will not require you to attend TSS.
OPTION #2- Contest the Complaint:
You may request a trial by mail to contest the charge(s) on your complaint.
If you choose to contest the charge(s) on your complaint you will be scheduled for a trial before a Judge or a Civil Traffic Hearing (CTH) officer. However, we must receive your request prior to the appearance date written on the bottom right hand corner of your complaint. You may mail the fine/sanction amount with your request which will be entered as a bond. If the Judge or CTH officer finds you responsible, the bond will be converted to any fines and fees assessed. If you are found not responsible the bond will be exonerated and returned to you within 2 weeks from the date of your trial.
If you are found responsible attending DDS (Defensive Driving School) will NOT be an option.
Once the court has received your request, you will receive a copy of a Minute Entry Judgment that will have the date and time of your scheduled trial.
If you are a juvenile, you and a parent/legal guardian must appear at the hearing.
Failure to appear at your hearing will result in default, additional fees added to your fine, suspension of your driver’s license and possible suspension of your vehicle registration.
If you did not receive a Fine/Sanction Schedule card (bond card) please submit the following statement on a
piece of plain paper signed, dated, and with a valid address:
“I wish to please NOT RESPONSIBLE to the charges listed on my complaint and wish to have a hearing.”
If a bond card was given to you with your complaint, follow the instructions on page 3.
No Continuances Will Be Granted By Telephone
OPTION #3- Attend Defensive Driving School
You may be eligible for Defensive Driving School (DDS) if you meet all the following conditions:
a. Your complaint was for a Civil Traffic moving violation.
b. You have NOT attended DDs for any Arizona Civil Traffic violation in the last 24 months (violation date to violation date).
c. Your case is NOT set for a hearing.
d. You do NOT have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
e. If you are a minor, you MUST appear in court with a Parent/Legal Guardian in order to attend DDS.
f. If you had an accident you MUST appear on your court date if you choose to attend DDS.
Before you call the school and register, verify with the court that your ticket has been filed. You MUST enroll and complete the course 7 days PRIOR to your court appearance date on your complaint or you must appear on your court date for a court extension.
If you complete DDS, no points will be assessed against your driving record. Only one moving violation will be dismissed upon completion of this course. If you complete DDS, you will not pay the fine or have to appear in court for that violation.
Have your complaint and a pen with you when you call to enroll. You will need to take down instructions for attendance as well as give importation information on your complaint to the registration clerk. Please contact any of the DDS schools listed on the DDS website for the cost of the course.
On the day of the class, bring your ticket, driver’s license and a money order payable to the school for the amount of the course.
Keep the Certificate of Completion for your records.
If eligible, you may attend only a Supreme Court Certified school.
You have two ways to register for DDS:
a. Call 1-888-334-5565 (automated response only)
b. www.azdrive.com
Failure to attend will likely result in your driver’s license being suspended.
