I received a traffic ticket. How do I find out my court date?

Your initial court date should be at the top of your ticket.

What will happen when I appear in court?

The court date on your ticket is an arraignment, not a trial. At the arraignment, the judge will explain your rights and you will be asked to enter a plea. You can read the explanation of the rights and pleas here.

Can I plead not guilty to my ticket without coming to court?

If your ticket is marked personal appearance not required, you may enter a not guilty plea and request either a pre-trial or trial date. A not guilty plea form is available here. This form can be submitted electronically, by fax, by mail, or in person to the clerk's office before your initial court date.

Can I find a record of this ticket online?

Yes, you can access our record search here, but a case would not appear online until 3-5 days after the ticket is issued.

Can I pay my ticket online?

Yes, if your ticket is marked personal appearance not required, you can pay the ticket online here.

Can I pay my ticket over the phone?

Payments can be made over the phone with a credit or debit card by calling 866-895-0198.

Can I pay my ticket in person?

Yes, you can visit the Clerk’s office Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. -3:45 p.m.

What types of payments are accepted?

If you visit the clerk’s office, cash, checks or money orders are accepted (please print the defendant’s name on the check or money order if paying by mail – do not send cash through the mail); the clerk’s office does not accept credit or debit cards.

When is the payment for my ticket due?

You have 30 days after your scheduled court date to make your payment.

Will my ticket appear on my driving record?

All traffic convictions are reported to the BMV and appear on your permanent driving record. Paying a ticket is called a “waiver” (essentially a guilty plea), and the conviction will be added to your driving record.

Will points be assessed against my license if I pay my ticket?

Yes, if the ticket is for a moving violation, points will be assessed. Paying a ticket is called a “waiver” (essentially a guilty plea), and the conviction and points will be added to your driving record.

If I do not contest my ticket, what will happen if I do not pay it?

Failure to pay the ticket within 30 days of the scheduled court date may result in the cancellation of your driver’s license, blocking of your motor vehicle registration, or a warrant for your arrest.

How can I obtain information from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) about my driver’s license and license status?

You can look up your BMV profile online here.

I was cited for driving under suspension or no operator’s license. Can someone help me reinstate my driving privileges and resolve my case?

You may be eligible for case management assistance through one of the local behavioral health agencies. A case manager can assist you in determining and meeting the BMV reinstatement requirements. At your arraignment, ask the judge or the probation department for a referral to case management.

I am charged with a traffic offense and I would like to try to negotiate a resolution to my case without a trial. Is that possible?

The prosecuting attorney on traffic cases is the Gallipolis City Solicitor. The city solicitor has the authority to negotiate resolutions in traffic cases, and also does offer an online traffic diversion program in certain cases. The city solicitor can be reached by phone at (740) 441-6030.

If you did not provide proof of insurance to the officer at the time of the traffic violation, you must provide proof when making payment or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will impose a suspension of your driver’s license.

A COURT APPEARANCE IS REQUIRED ON THE FOLLOWING OFFENSES:

• Any indictable offense
• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any other drug of abuse
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving under suspension or revocation of a driver's or commercial driver's license when jail if a possible penalty
• Driving without being licensed to drive when jail is a possible penalty
• A third moving offense within a twelve-month period when jail is a possible penalty
• Failure to stop and remain standing upon meeting or overtaking a school bus stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging a school child
• Willfully eluding or fleeing a police officer
• Drag racing