An Arraignment is a fancy word for your first court date in front of the Judge. Moreover, before accepting guilty pleas, judges have to be sure that defendants are aware of the rights they are giving up by pleading guilty. If you can settle, you won't have to go to trial. If you submit it less than 2 business days before, we won’t be able to process it in time. That said, you should always talk to your lawyer or duty counsel (who advise you before a court hearing) about pleading guilty before you make this decision. Before you go to court you should decide how you want to plead. Rogers appeared before a magistrate in Municipal court and pled guilty to both tickets and was charged two separate court costs that arose from the same event. If the accused pleads guilty. If you have started counselling, take a letter from your counsellor or social worker that explains the counselling you are receiving. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may still be able to get one through the legal aid program. The time scale is only different after the plea hearing, if you plead guilty they have to set a date for sentence / committal for sentence at the crown court or set up a trial if you were to plead not guilty, it takes longer to set the trial up than it does to set a date for sentencing.. In most states, if you pay the ticket to the court clerk without appearing before a judge (most courts allow this except for the most serious violations), you do not subject yourself to civil liability as you would if you entered a guilty plea in court. Generally, a court officer will direct you to a microphone or place where the defendant stands. Let's say that you plead not guilty to a speeding ticket. If you plead guilty by post, the court will always require you to attend court if you face a possible disqualification due to a high speed or ‘totting-up’ penalty points. you can pay a ticket before court...warrant is ordered but not issued the day of court. make sure if you pay it get the person writing the receipt to put the time of payment on it in case of problem and also let the DA's office know you paid it. What happens if you plead guilty. You should start counselling before you plead guilty or tell the court you are prepared to go to counselling. and decide that you just want to pay the ticket off? Can You Change Your Plea and Pay the Fine Before Your Court Date My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Connecitcut Just a quick general question: I want to plead not guilty in the hopes that I will get a letter back saying I do not have to go to court and my ticket will be dismissed. What happens at a DUI Arraignment. The presiding judge will read you your rights, as well as any possible penalties for any and all criminal charges. If you are arrested and have to go to court to face charges, the police will give you a date for your first court appearance. Pleading guilty or not guilty. admit the charge and plead guilty; deny the charge and plead not guilty; If the plea is not guilty, a date will be fixed for a trial when evidence in the case will be heard.