Misdemeanor/Traffic Information
A Misdemeanor is an offense for which, on some cases, the maximum sentence could be a fine of up to $1000 or up to one year in county jail or both a fine and county jail sentence. If jail is a possibility you may be able to have an attorney appointed to represent you if you are unable to afford one yourself.
On the following type offenses you may be able to receive a plea offer and reach agreement with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney prior to going to court.
- Passing a bad check
- Possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Speeding and other traffic offenses
Most misdemeanors may be disposed at the first court appearance. In some limited cases you may not be required to appear in court at all if a plea agreement is reached and the fine paid before the first court date.
Generally there are three types of sentences that can be offered and agreed to on line.
First, you may be offered a fine only. (This does not apply to infraction traffic offenses. If you have a traffic ticket that does not require a court appearance and wish to pay the fine before your court date, please contact a traffic clerk at the court clerk’s office directly.)
Secondly, you may be offered probation where a sentence is given but you are placed on probation for a period of time between 6 months and 2 years, and not required to serve the sentence unless you violate the terms of probation. This is called a SUSPENDED EXECUTION OF SENTENCE (SES).
Thirdly, you may be offered probation for a period of time between 6 months and 2 years, where you are placed on probation but no sentence is given unless you violate the terms of your probation. This is called a SUSPENDED IMPOSITION OF SENTENCE (SIS). This type probation does not count as a conviction unless you violate your probation and a sentence is given.
Please note:
Amendments to Speeding Tickets
Speeding tickets will not be amended to non-moving violations. The State may offer to amend a speeding ticket to a no-point violation under the following conditions only:
1. Offender's speed is no more than 15 miles per hour over the posted speed
limit; and
2. Offender's speed is no higher than 80 miles per hour.
If you meet these requirements, the State may offer a no-point amendment to 1-5 over the posted speed limit.
Please use this link to a form to email the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney regarding your case. By reaching an agreement on your case prior to your first court appearance, you may be able to avoid having to make more than one court appearance.