Typically there's no specific format required, and you don't have to indicate or explain your defenses – you simply can state that you plead not guilty, just as you would if you attended an arraignment in person.
Best answer: Don't lie to the judge. Admit your mistake and tell the judge you were preoccupied with getting to your destination on time. You apologize for the oversight. He will be so pleased with your response he may dismiss the ticket!
Pleading not guilty allows your attorney to investigate these aspects thoroughly, presenting a more comprehensive picture to the court that could lead to a more favorable outcome. Pleading not guilty provides you with the opportunity to fully explore all possible defenses and legal strategies.
We do not reschedule Court dates through the website; however, if your ticket is in the system and it is not assigned to a Judge, you may stop by the Clerk's Office at 375 S. High Street, 2nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Monday – Friday between the hours of a.m. to a.m. to be added to the docket.
After stating your plea, you should introduce the reasons why you are pleading not guilty. This introduction gives you the opportunity to present your case and lay the groundwork for the rest of your letter. Be succinct, clear, and concise. Avoid any irrelevant details or information that doesn't support your case.
Not Guilty Plea The defendant is informing the court that he or she denies guilt or has a defense in the case and that the state must prove what it has charged in the complaint. If you choose to plea "Not Guilty", you have a right to a jury trial, unless you waive that right and request a trial by judge.
The Court's jurisdiction includes traffic cases, misdemeanor criminal cases, and civil cases where the amount at issue is $15,000 or less.
You have a few options if you cannot make your scheduled court date for a criminal or traffic case. Please be aware that court dates cannot be rescheduled over the phone. You can file a motion requesting a new court date.
You can usually find the court's contact information on your court summons or on the court's website. Explain to the clerk why you cannot make your court date. Be honest and specific. If you have a medical emergency or a family emergency, the clerk may be more likely to reschedule your court date.