Legal Definitions - appearance ticket

An appearance ticket is a written notice issued by a law enforcement officer that requires an individual to appear in court or before an administrative body on a specific date and time. It is typically issued for minor offenses as an alternative to immediate arrest and detention, allowing the individual to remain free until their scheduled court date.

• Example 1: Traffic Violation

  A driver is pulled over by a police officer for failing to stop at a red light. Instead of arresting the driver, the officer issues an appearance ticket. This ticket specifies the traffic court's address, the date, and the time the driver must appear to answer for the red light violation.

  This illustrates an appearance ticket because it is a written notice from a law enforcement officer requiring the driver to appear in court for a minor offense, rather than being taken into immediate custody.

• Example 2: Minor Public Disturbance

  Two individuals are observed by a park ranger consuming alcohol in a public park where it is prohibited. The ranger approaches them, confirms their identities, and issues each person an appearance ticket. The ticket instructs them to appear before a municipal court judge on a specified date to address the violation of the park's rules.

  Here, the appearance ticket serves as a formal summons from a law enforcement official (the park ranger) for a minor infraction, directing the individuals to a judicial proceeding without requiring their arrest.

• Example 3: Petty Theft

  A person is caught shoplifting a candy bar from a convenience store. The store manager detains them and calls the police. Upon arrival, the police officer verifies the person's identity and determines they have no prior record and are not a flight risk. The officer then issues an appearance ticket, directing the individual to appear in criminal court on a specific date to face charges for petty theft.

  This scenario demonstrates an appearance ticket being used for a low-level criminal offense, allowing the individual to avoid arrest and detention while still being legally compelled to address the charges in court.