In the majority of traffic cases, the police officer stops someone and writes them a ticket. If the ticket was issued because of an accident, or the charges are serious, the police officer will write a report. This report summarizes the events leading up to the ticket, and provides witness names and other relevant information such as a diagram.
In more serious traffic related cases, such as a DUI, the police officer will arrest the individual. If the defendant is arrested, one of two things can happen:
- The defendant posts bail (also called a bond) and is released to appear in court at a later date. If this happens, the Sheriff’s Department will give the defendant paperwork telling them when to appear in court; or
- The defendant stays in jail until the next available court session. Sheriff’s officers transport the defendant to court.