GUILTY PLEA (Traffic Infractions only)
You have two options to enter a plea of GUILTY
Option #1: You can plead GUILTY by completing “Section A” on the right side of your ticket; or on the back-side for hand-written tickets. Be sure to include your current mailing address and to date and sign before sending it to the Court. You can return your plea in person at the court office; by regular mail; by e-mail; or you may bring with you to appear at Traffic Court held every Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Option #2: 
(Please know that if you have more than five (5) tickets that were received for the same incident, you will not be eligible to use this program).
Please note: If you have lost your ticket, you can obtain a waiver from the Court to enter your plea.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
You have three options to make a PAYMENT
Option #1: If you sent in your guilty plea on your paper ticket, you will receive a Fine and Surcharge Notice in the mail to the address you provided on your ticket that will outline your payment options. Please know that payments should be made in full by the date directed by the Court. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please make a request in writing to the Court for consideration. Please include what amount you can pay on a monthly basis, but not less than $25/month or 2% of your net monthly income.
Option #2: If you pled guilty through the Plead and Pay online program, you can pay it through the account you created when you entered your plea. Please note that payment in full is only accepted through the online program, and that it does not currently support partial payments.
Option #3: You may make a payment using the general web payment portal. Please note that payment in full is only accepted through the portal, and that it does not currently support partial payments.
NOT GUILTY PLEA
You have three options to enter a plea of NOT GUILTY
Option #1: You can plead NOT GUILTY by completing “Section B” on the right side of your ticket; or on the back-side for hand-written tickets. Be sure to include your current mailing address and to date and sign before sending it to the Court. You can return your plea in person at the court office; by regular mail; by e-mail; or you may bring with you to appear at Traffic Court held every Friday at 10:00 a.m.
Please know you can request a Supporting Deposition by checking the appropriate box in the plea section of the ticket. A Supporting Deposition will provide you with additional information regarding the basis for the ticket having been issued. A Supporting Deposition request must be timely; within 30 days of the appearance dated listed on the ticket. The Court will then order the Supporting Deposition from the police officer who issued the ticket. The police officer must provide you with the Supporting Deposition within 30 days of the date you make the request.
Option #2:
Option #3: You may discuss your ticket with the prosecutor, an Assistant District Attorney, that is present at the date and time listed on your ticket, or any Traffic Court session held every Friday at 10:00 a.m. Alternatively, you may choose to utilize the online Vehicle & Traffic Reduction Request offered through the Chemung County District Attorney’s office.
Be advised that contacting the district attorney is not sufficient to resolve the ticket. You must have entered a plea (guilty or not guilty) with the court following your negotiations.
Please note: If you have lost your ticket, you can obtain a waiver from the Court to enter your plea.
Next Steps: Once your Not Guilty plea is accepted with the Court, your case will then be scheduled for a non-jury trial to be held between you and the Officer that issued you the ticket. You will receive a notice in the mail of the non-jury trial date from the Court.
You should advise the Court if you will be represented by an attorney during the proceedings as the attorney will need to file a "Notice of Appearance" with the Court if so.
At the trial, the police officer/prosecutor must present evidence to the Court. You will have the right to cross-examine the prosecutor's witness(es) and, if you choose, to present evidence to the Court which can include testimony from yourself or from other individuals. If you require a subpoena for witnesses, you can apply for a subpoena at the time you are notified of the trial date (request form). At the conclusion of the trial, the Judge will either render a verdict (finding you guilty or not guilty) or reserve decision. If the Court reserves decision, a written decision will be issued by the Judge, a copy of which will be sent to you at the address on file with the Court.
If the Court finds you not guilty on all of the tickets, this will end the case without further action by you.
If the Court finds you guilty of one or more of the tickets, a fine and mandatory surcharge, if applicable, will be assessed. Please review Payments above for more information on how to pay the Court.
If you have any questions regarding this procedure, you may contact the City Court Clerk's office.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q] If one of my traffic tickets is a misdemeanor, can I resolve the ticket by mail?
A] No, you must appear before the court in person. A misdemeanor is a crime and can not be resolved by mail.
________________________________________
Q] Can I resolve a traffic ticket infraction by telephone?
A] No, you must either appear in person or enter a plea via one of the options listed above.
________________________________________
Q] What happens if I fail to answer a ticket or appear as directed?
A] If you fail to enter a plea to the traffic ticket, or fail to appear on the appearance date listed on your ticket, or if you fail to appear for any scheduled court date, the court will notify the Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to suspend your driver's license.
________________________________________
Q] Can my driver's license be suspended if I am licensed in another state?
A] If you are a licensed driver of another state, your driving privileges for driving within New York State are considered suspended. Additionally, please be advised that the state of New York has reciprocity with most other states and can notify the state where you are licensed that you have an unresolved ticket in New York state. Your state may then proceed to suspend your driver's license.
________________________________________
Q] What is the penalty if I drive with a suspended license?
A] If you are driving with a suspended license, you could be ticketed for driving without a license under “Aggravated Unlicensed Operation” which is a misdemeanor level offense in New York state.
________________________________________
Q] What will happen if I fail to notify the Court of my change in address?
A] If you fail to advise the court, in writing, of any change in your address, the court will be unable to notify you of any court dates. This will not relieve you of the responsibility of resolving the ticket. The court can and will proceed to notify the Dept. Of Motor Vehicles to suspend your driver's license if you fail to appear as directed.
________________________________________
Q] Can someone other than the defendant enter a plea?
A] No. Only the defendant can enter a plea to a ticket.