Court Procedure

Pay the Citation

  • Paying the citation will have the same force and effect as a GUILTY judgement before the court. Points may be assessed to your driver’s license by the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Be Granted a Continuance

  • If a continuance is needed, contact the court clerk before the court date. Family and Medical emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  • Individuals will not be charged for the first continuance. After that 1st continuance individuals will be charged $5 per request.

Guilty Plea/ No Contest

  • This results in court costs, fines, and points added to the defendant’s driver’s license.
  • Or it can result in a dismissal with cost and no points being added to the defendant’s driver’s license.
  • All costs must be paid on the court date or a payment plan must be set up.

Contest the Citation

  • You have the right to contest the citation. This equals a plea of Not Guilty. Once contested, individuals will be given a trial date. At the given date, defendants will be able to provide their side of the occurrence as well as present any evidence.

Dismissed on Good Behavior

  • If the citation is dismissed on good behavior, an individual is expected to maintain good and lawful conduct during the probationary period.
  • If cited or arrested again you will have to return to the review court date in person.

Juvenile Mandatory Court Appearance

  • Juveniles who have received a citation are required to appear in court with a parent or guardian on the assigned court date printed on the citation. (Even if you turned 18 before the court date...)

Complete payment of the citation is expected on the day of court. If a citation is not paid in full on the court date, a payment plan will be available.


Failure to Appear/ Comply

  • Failure to appear in Court or satisfy a citation by the compliance date may result in suspension of your driving privileges by the Tennessee Dept. of Safety or a warrant being issued for your arrest.

Restricted Driver's License

  • After the license is suspended, the person may apply for a restricted license.
  • The restricted license is valid only for travel necessary for employment, school, religious worship, participation in a recovery court, or serious illness of the person or immediate family member.
  • The court’s order must state, the specific time and places that the individuals may drive.
  • The person is still required to comply with the payment plan.