Receiving a traffic citation can be stressful, but understanding your options and responsibilities is crucial. In Minnesota, you have the option to Pay Citation Online, which offers a convenient way to resolve your ticket. This guide provides essential information about handling your citation, focusing on online payment and your rights.
For many minor offenses in Minnesota, you can resolve your citation without appearing in court by paying the associated fine. Minnesota Statute §169.99 subd. 1 allows for the possibility of waiving part or all of your citation cost if you can demonstrate indigency or undue hardship. To explore this option, you must schedule a court appearance to request a waiver based on your financial situation. You can contact the MN Court Payment Center (CPC) to schedule this appearance. Please allow up to 7 days from the citation date for processing before the CPC can assist you or before you can pay your fine online.
Important Note for No Insurance Offenses: If your citation is for no insurance or no proof of insurance, it is vital to provide proof of insurance before making any payment. You can find detailed instructions on how to submit proof of insurance at How Do I Show Proof of Insurance? on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
Your Right to Court Appearance and Understanding the Consequences of Payment
Remember, you have the right to appear in court to address your citation. Whether you choose to pay citation online or schedule a court appearance, you must do so within 30 days from the date the citation is filed with the court.
It’s critical to understand that if you pay the fine, you are entering a guilty plea to the offense(s) listed on your citation. By choosing to pay, you voluntarily waive several important rights under the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 23.03, including:
- Your right to a court trial (or a jury trial for certain offenses).
- Your right to legal representation by counsel.
- Your right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Your right to confront and cross-examine witnesses.
- Your right to remain silent or testify on your own behalf.
Consequences of Failing to Pay or Appear
Ignoring your citation can lead to serious repercussions. If you fail to pay or appear in court within the allotted timeframe:
- A warrant may be issued for your arrest.
- Late penalties may be added to the original fine amount.
- Failure to appear is considered a guilty plea, and you will waive your right to a trial, unless you appear in court within 10 days of the missed deadline and demonstrate that the failure was due to circumstances beyond your control (as per Minn. Stat. § 169.91; 609.491; Minn. Rule of Criminal Procedure 23.04-23.05).
Important Considerations Regarding Your Plea
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a guilty plea can have significant immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation, exclusion from the U.S., or denial of citizenship. (Minn. Rule of Criminal Procedure 15.02, subd 1(3)). A guilty plea will result in a conviction for each offense on the citation, and a fine will be imposed for each.
If you wish to challenge the conviction for any offense, you must schedule a court appearance before making any payment. In court, you will have the opportunity to discuss your citation with legal professionals and potentially resolve it without a conviction for all offenses. However, if you contest the citation in court and are found guilty, the court can impose the full range of legal sanctions, including fines up to $300 for petty misdemeanors and up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for misdemeanors, plus applicable fees and surcharges.
Additional Fees and Potential Driver’s License Suspension
Upon conviction, you will be required to pay a state-imposed surcharge under Minn. Stat. § 357.021, subd. 6. This surcharge varies depending on the offense type ($12 for parking, $25 for some transit, $75 for other offenses, plus an additional $1 in Ramsey County). A law library fee will also be added. These charges are included in the total amount payable online or provided by phone.
The Department of Public Safety and/or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may be notified of your failure to pay or appear, or of a conviction, depending on the offense. This notification can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license or DNR licenses. Unpaid fines may also be referred to collections agencies under Minn. Stat. § 480.15, subd. 10c. You have the right to contest this referral if you are unable to pay.
Finally, be aware that issuing a worthless check to the court is a crime, and you will face both civil and criminal penalties. A charge of up to $30 will be assessed for all returned checks (Minn. Stat. § 604.113, subd. 2).
Understanding these details is essential when deciding how to handle your Minnesota traffic citation and whether to pay citation online. Always act within the 30-day timeframe to avoid further complications.
