Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

I received a ticket for having a can of beer on a beach. I want to fight the ticket. However, I live more than 3 hours from the courthouse. I do not want to make any unnecessary trips down there. My question is: Do I have to physically show up on the court date sent to me by mail just to say I want to plead not guilty/fight this, or can I send, fax, or talk to someone over the phone to give that information and get a new court date? I know once I plead I will have to go back to court with the officer who cited me present and have to drive back down there. Thank you for your help.


Asked on 9/21/09, 11:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Iadevaia Law Offices of Philip A. Iadevaia

There is no getting around driving the 3 hours to plead not guilty, unless you hire a local lawyer to do it for you. You'll also have to pay the fine on the ticket that the court refers to as the "bail." If you win your trial, the court will refund your "bail." Good luck.

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Answered on 9/22/09, 12:45 am


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