Effective October 1, 2019, a new law, Assembly Bill 110 (AB110) will allow traffic courts to accept pleas and statements of defense from ticket recipients, by mail, email, over the internet, or by other electronic means. The bill authorizes traffic courts to establish systems where recipients of tickets could communicate with the court for pleas and defense statements for most traffic violations.
But this convenience comes with a catch. By choosing this option you forfeit your right to a trial including the right to confront witnesses. If this is an acceptable compromise, you may wish to make use of the new convenience option. All communications in this regard, must be completed prior to the court date disclosed on the citation.
Provisions related to our discussion
AB110 sets forth many provisions, but the most relevant to this discussion is Section 2. Section 2 sets forth the authorizing language to allow courts to set up systems for the new communications options with some particulars regarding information required by such a system to verify that the person using the system is the person who received the citation. Furthermore, it prohibits the use of such a system for the following violations: aggressive driving, reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, and DUI. It also clearly states that a person who “…chooses to make a plea and state his or her defense or any mitigating circumstances by using such a system, the person waives his or her right to a trial and the right to confront any witnesses.”
Other Relevant Provisions of the new law
Section 4 – Allows a police officer giving a ticket, to request email and phone number information from ticket recipients. The officer is required to indicate that giving such information is strictly voluntary and if you receive a ticket, you may decline to give the requested information. If you voluntarily provide the information to the officer, you are giving consent for the court to communicate with you by that means.
Section 5 – If you do not make a plea via mail, email, or other electronic means provided by the court, it is unlawful to fail to appear at the date and time specified in the citation.
Ticket Busters keeps you informed as the law changes
This summary highlights several relevant changes made by AB110. The entire bill can be found at the State Legislature’s website. Ticket Busters will continue to be here to represent you with the courts. We keep up to date on the legal changes, so that we can provide the best service to our clients. If you’ve received a ticket in Las Vegas or surrounding Clark County we will be here to save you time, save points on your driving record, and increases to your insurance rates. Call us today at (702) 666-6666.
Learn More:
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/80th2019/Bill/6125/Overview
