If you choose a written declaration trial, instead of coming to court to argue your case, you and the officer will file statements and any evidence in writing. Evidence may include: the citing officer's sworn declaration; a written statement or letter signed by the defendant; and/or documents found during a search of the defendant's property or person. These documents are called "affidavits." The defendant is given time to review these affidavits before they are filed with the court. If there is an issue about their accuracy, the defendant can file a motion to suppress evidence before the trial date. The purpose of this type of trial is for the parties to decide what evidence should be presented to the judge for her to decide if the defendant is liable for the charge. This saves time for everyone involved. The defendant avoids having to travel to court; the state collects data on drivers who have not paid their tickets; and most important, people who refuse to pay their fines are not subjected to a criminal record. There are two forms of trial by declaration. One is called "limited trial by declaration," which means that only liability issues can be tried by written declaration; damages must be resolved at court. The other is called "full trial by declaration," which means that all issues in the case can be decided by written declaration including damages. If you lose at trial by declaration, you can appeal your case just like anyone else.