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Pick up where you left off, or start over with a clean slate.
There's no password reset. If you lose the Case ID or passphrase, this case can't be recovered. Write them down somewhere safe.
You admit to the charge as stated. The case moves directly to sentencing, skipping trial. This is a final decision with lasting consequences and is not something to enter into without understanding what you're giving up, including the right to contest the evidence.
You deny the charge and require the prosecution to prove its case. This preserves your right to a trial, to see the evidence against you, and to challenge it. Most cases that plead not guilty are resolved before trial through negotiation, but the option to go to trial remains open.
You don't admit guilt, but you don't fight the charge either — the court treats it like a guilty plea for sentencing purposes. The practical difference is usually that a no contest plea generally can't be used against you later in a related civil lawsuit, unlike a guilty plea. Availability of this option varies by court.
Beyond providing license, registration, and proof of insurance, you generally aren't required to answer questions about where you're going, where you've been, or what you're doing. You can say plainly: "I'd like to remain silent."
You can say "I do not consent to a search" clearly and calmly. An officer may still search if they have probable cause or a warrant regardless of your answer, but stating your non-consent on the record matters for later — it doesn't guarantee compliance, but it preserves the issue.
Asking "Am I being detained, or am I free to leave?" clarifies the stop. If you're not being detained, you generally have the right to leave.
In most places, you can record your own interaction with police in public. Keep your hands visible, state that you are recording, and avoid physically interfering with the officer. Rules on where you can stand and whether audio consent laws apply differ by state.
Keep your hands visible, move slowly, and comply with physical instructions even while verbally stating your rights. Contest anything you believe was wrong later, in court, with an attorney — not in the moment.
Dress like you're going to a job interview. Collared shirt or blouse, slacks or a modest dress/skirt, closed-toe shoes. Avoid: shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, clothing with slogans or graphics, ripped jeans, and anything overly casual like sweatpants. If you don't own formal clothes, clean and neat is what matters most — a plain t-shirt and jeans beats anything with a logo or a rip.
Most courts offer three ways to pay: online through the court's own payment portal (search "[your county] court pay ticket online"), by mail with a check or money order using the payment stub on your citation, or in person at the courthouse window or by phone. If you can't pay the full amount, many courts offer a payment plan — ask the clerk's office before your due date, since missing a payment deadline can add penalties or a license hold.
A plea form usually asks for your case/citation number, your name and contact information, and which plea you're entering (see the Plea Sheet for what each option means). Write clearly, double-check the case number matches your citation exactly, sign and date it, and keep a copy for yourself. Some courts accept plea forms by mail before a hearing date; others require you to appear in person — check your specific citation or court notice for which applies.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and clear security. Turn your phone off (not just silent) before entering the courtroom. Stand when the judge enters and when your case is called. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Don't interrupt, chew gum, or bring food or drinks inside. Bring photo ID, your citation or case paperwork, and anything AKINRAY's packet feature flagged as documents to gather.
If you need more time — to hire an attorney, gather documents, or because of a scheduling conflict — you can generally ask the court to reschedule ("continue") your date. This is usually done by contacting the clerk's office before your court date, either by phone, in writing, or through an online form, and explaining the reason. Courts aren't required to grant it, and repeated requests are looked at less favorably, so ask as early as possible.
Courts are generally required to provide a free interpreter if you need one. Contact the clerk's office as soon as you know your court date and tell them which language you need — this is usually most reliable when requested at least a few days in advance.
If you're facing a charge that could result in jail time and can't afford a private attorney, you can generally request a court-appointed (public) defender. This is usually done by filling out a financial affidavit/application, either at your first court appearance (arraignment) or beforehand through the clerk's office — ask as early as possible, since the process can take time to process.
Most courts have an online case lookup tool — search "[your county] court case search" or "[your county] docket lookup" — where you can search by your name or case number to confirm your next date, time, and courtroom. If you can't find it online, the clerk's office can confirm it by phone.
Missing a required court appearance can lead to a warrant for your arrest, additional fines, or a license suspension, depending on the type of case. If you realize you're going to miss a date or already missed one, contact the clerk's office immediately — the sooner you address it, the more options are usually available.
This records locally in your browser and lets you download the file when you stop. Livestreaming directly to Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp isn't possible from a web app without special platform approval, so there's no automatic cloud backup yet. If your phone loses power or is taken, an unsaved recording can be lost — download it as soon as you safely can.
Set your state on the intake screen to see a note about recording-consent rules there.