The timeliness of a mail appearance is determined by the postmark date of the defendant's letter. If the court finds the defendant responsible with explanation it may only reduce the civil fines and costs in light of the extenuating circumstances. The court may not reduce the number of points assessed by the secretary of state. Failure to make a timely appearance will result in entry of a default judgment against the defendant. Noncompliance with the judgment will result in eventual suspension of the defendant's license, as well as other possible sanctions.
Defendant denies responsibility To deny responsibility is to contest the case.
The defendant must appear to offer a defense at an Informal or Formal hearing. See request form . Requests for hearings are not accepted by phone . The majority of contested cases are heard and decided at Informal hearings. A hearing conducted by a District Court Magistrate or Judge involving the police officer, the defendant and any witnesses, held without a prosecutor or defense attorney.