I live in New Jersey,i am a provisional license holder. I received a ticket for passenger restriction. I have a mandatory court appearance. Should i plea no contest? (internet recommended it) How do i pay? right there? What if i don't have the money on me? Will they ask me what happened? How does this work? ive never been to court.
I'm not sure about no contest, but in my court cases accepting this would be the best idea since I think its a "First ones free deal." Now paying the ticket if they're nice you might be able to swing a deal and either send it in or come back in a month. That's what they gave me. But I was in North Carolina. When you go you'll probably hit deposition court, look on a clothesline of paper and find your name and court room. Go there sign in, find the line or someone standing just beyond the pews. They normally have to find you before your name is called. After you're in front of the judge they'll ask for your plea and a brief explanation. If they like you you'll pay the ticket and court costs (NC = $142 + ticket.) Then get you're paperwork from the bailiff, find your receipt, and present that to the cashier. It all depends on the judge and the District Attorney if they'll accept No Contest. First time offenses you should be clear especially since this traffic related and not criminal.
There are three basic pleas in US Court. 1) Guilty - You admit fault. 2) Not Guilty - You deny fault. 3) No Contest - You do not admit fault, but you still pay the fine as if you were at fault. No Contest isn't always offered as an option, but if it is and if you are guilty it is better to plead NC than to plead guilty. -hl718
