Cortland City Court

Traffic Court

How to Resolve a Traffic Ticket Infraction in the Cortland City Court

Review your ticket(s) to determine if you have been issued a ticket for a "misdemeanor" or "traffic infraction". You can locate this information by looking approximately 2/3 down on the ticket on the right side of the ticket.

If the "misdemeanor" box is checked, you must appear in the City Court to be arraigned before a City Court Judge on the return date written on the ticket. You cannot use these instructions.

If the "traffic infraction" box is checked, get your options.


Notes About Pleading Not Guilty

In the event you fail to appear at the pre-trial conference, absent a communication with the Court and good cause being shown, your failure to appear shall in due course be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your privilege to operate a motor vehicle will be suspended.

You have the right to appeal a traffic infraction conviction.

If you have any questions regarding this procedure, you may contact the City Court Clerk's office.

NOTE: Within 60 days of the issuance of the ticket, you MUST contact the Court directly, in writing, or appear in Court and plead either guilty or not guilty to avoid suspension of your driver's license.