Can I change my court venue for a speeding ticket in California?
So I got this speeding ticket on the I-5 heading up towards the bay. I got it pretty far up north in California, and I live in Southern California. Now, I’ve heard that I should be allowed to change my court location to a closer county seat, but when I called the court in Stanislaus County (Turlock, CA) they said I can’t change the venue. Are they lying, and if so anyone got any legal mumbo jumbo I can say to them to let me change court to southern california?
No, "inconvenience" is not a good enough reason to change a venue (otherwise it would be done all the time).
California DOES allow "trial by declaraion" for traffic violations (as long as all violations are infractions). The procedures are detailed in section 40902 of the California Vehicle Code.
Basically, rather than appear in person, both you and the officer submit written statements to the court. The court then rules on the written statements. The court should be fairly familiar with trial by declaration - just call and ask about it. They may need you use a specific form for your declaration, but these forms can usually be mailed, e-mailed, FAXed, accessed via web, etc.
No,sorry you have no valid reason for a change in venue. What sense would it make for the cop to have to travel a great distance for YOUR convenience. If is too far to travel ,plead guilty and pay by mail.
References :
No, "inconvenience" is not a good enough reason to change a venue (otherwise it would be done all the time).
California DOES allow "trial by declaraion" for traffic violations (as long as all violations are infractions). The procedures are detailed in section 40902 of the California Vehicle Code.
Basically, rather than appear in person, both you and the officer submit written statements to the court. The court then rules on the written statements. The court should be fairly familiar with trial by declaration - just call and ask about it. They may need you use a specific form for your declaration, but these forms can usually be mailed, e-mailed, FAXed, accessed via web, etc.
References :