A traffic citation may be more than it appears. A citation may result in a criminal misdemeanor appearing on your "permanent criminal." record. What appeared as a simple citation may result in jail time, a fine, probation,and of course affect your privilege to drive not to mention a substantial increase in your insurance premiums.
A citation is an order for you to appear in court at an appointed date and time and is commonly used for minor violations. Its purpose is to avoid requiring a law enforcement officer to take a violator into immediate physical custody and it is important that you read both sides of the form. If the listed charges are waivable, you may elect to waive the court appearance by paying the indicated fine and costs of court or you may decide to contest the charges by going to court. If you elect to pay the fine, you admit that you are "guilty as charged" and the DMV can add points on your driving record or send notice of your guilty plea to your home state.
If you elect to contest the charges for which you are cited, you may do so by going to court. There you will have the right to enter a plea of "not guilty". A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the court that you deny guilt or that you have a defense for your case and the law enforcement officer who issued the citation must present testimony that proves you committed the charged offense(s).
Some citations list serious charges which require a court appearance. These charges are said to be non-waivable. If any or all of your charges are non-waivable offenses (if your citation states you must appear in court), you will not be allowed to enter a guilty plea or just pay a fine by mail and your appearance in court is mandatory.
Traffic defense 
