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Traffic Civil Infraction Information
Navigation of this page will assist you with understanding the court procedure to follow regarding a civil infraction traffic ticket(s) you recently received. Our list of frequently asked questions may also be a benefit in helping you resolve your traffic citation.
Examining Your Citation
Most traffic-related cases are Civil Infractions however some are Misdemeanor violations. If the C/I box on your citation has been checked, you are on the correct page to make a disposition.
If your citation has more than one C/I box checked, you must address the court for each violation.
Making a Decision
Within 3 to 14 days after receiving the violation you must decide how to proceed. If you do not communicate your decision with the court a default judgment could be entered causing you to lose your right to a hearing and additional court costs being added.
You have three options to choose from regarding your civil infraction.
You must contact the court either by mail, email, in person, or by telephone and advise the court you want to admit responsibility. A list of fines/points can be provided. Admitting responsibility will generate a civil infraction judgement due within 30 days.
By Mail: send in your citation with the back of the violation signed indicating you desire to admit responsibility. Mail payment and citation to:
56A District Court Traffic Division
1045 Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
By Email: submit to traffic@eatoncounty.org Include your citation number, full name, DOB and indication you are entering a plea of admit responsibility.
In Person: at the district court traffic window at the address above.
By Telephone: contact the traffic division at 517-543-3359.
Read about how to pay your fine and methods of payment the court will accept.
You must contact the court either by mail, email, in person or by telephone to advise the court you are denying responsibility and want a Formal or Informal hearing before the court. You will be mailed a notice of the hearing date.
In either hearing, the court will determine if the case is concluded without fines or if you are responsible and impose fines.
By Mail: send your citation with the back of the violation signed indicating you desire to deny responsibility.
56A District Court Traffic Division
1045 Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
By Email: submit to traffic@eatoncounty.org Include your citation number, full name, DOB and indicate you desire to deny responsibility.
In Person: at the district court traffic window at the address above.
By Telephone: contact the traffic division at 517-543-3359.
Formal Hearing
Conducted before a Judge in the courtroom. You have the right to have an attorney represent you. The police officer will be represented by the prosecutor or city attorney.
Informal Hearing
Conducted before the Magistrate. This hearing will involve you and any of your witnesses, the police officer and his witnesses and the magistrate. After the hearing, the magistrate will make a determination of responsibility.
Admitting responsibility with an explanation requires you to submit a written letter or email to the court admitting you are responsible and provide facts the magistrate may consider in resolving the case. A determination will be made if a hearing date should be set or fines/costs imposed. You will receive notice in the mail of either action.
By Mail: send your explanation and citation with the back of the violation indicating your desire to admit responsibility with explanation.
56A District Court
1045 Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, MI 48813
By Email: submit to traffic@eatoncounty.org Include your citation number, full name, DOB and your explanation.