A Defendant's Right to See a Judge

Anyone charged with a crime must appear before a judge. Although an individual charged with a traffic infraction or in receipt of a parking ticket has the right to a trial, such persons may choose to plead guilty by mail. Thus, an individual who believes he or she is guilty of the offense charged but wishes to explain his or her conduct may come to Court to appear before a judge for that purpose. Often however, the judge's discretion is limited because law mandates the minimum fine.