If you are ticketed or arrested in the County of Allegan for a traffic violation or a city ordinance it will be for either a Civil infraction or Misdemeanor; definitions as follows:

Terms and Definitions

Civil Infraction
Civil infractions are traffic violations such as speeding, improper turn, safety belt. These traffic violations are non-criminal. See Fines, Fees, and Costs Schedule for Civil Infractions.

Misdemeanor Traffic Violations
Misdemeanor traffic violations are violations such as drunk driving, driving while license suspended, improper plates. These traffic violations can result in arrest and/or may require court appearances.

Citation or Ticket
Citation means "a complaint or notice upon which a police officer shall record an occurrence involving one or more violations by the person cited." The cited person is the defendant. A citation can be a civil infraction or a misdemeanor depending on the seriousness of the violation. All defendants who receive a citation must respond to the allegations on the citation. Refer to the back of your citation or contact the court for procedures regarding misdemeanors. See Defendant's Options.

Civil Infraction Informal Hearing
A hearing conducted by a magistrate involving the police officer, the defendant and any witnesses, held without a prosecutor or defense attorney.

Civil Infraction Formal Hearing
A hearing conducted only by a district court judge involving the police officer, defendant and all witnesses. The defendant may be represented by an attorney and a prosecutor must be present. A pre-trial will be scheduled prior to the formal hearing in Allegan County. How do I request a hearing?

If you need to appear in court for a traffic or ordinance violation, be sure to bring the proper information with you.

Resources

• Defendant's Options
• Traffic Violation Costs, Fines, and Fees
• Traffic Violation Payment Methods
• Make a Payment