if the citation is a civil infraction you don't have to face a judge . you just pay the fine at the court usually there are cashiers before you enter the actual courtrooms but by paying the fine you agree to being guilty of said citation.( non-violent civil infractions wont affect you in gaining legal status)

now if its a misdemeanor then you might have to face a judge but some infractions can be paid off without facing a judge but by paying you agree to be guilty of said misdemeanor.

But in this case check to see if you can pay it off via internet,phone or mail

I've received various civil infractions (3)traffic related and since i had a valid license i went ahead and tried my luck with the court 2 out the 3 infractions i was given were waived off because the cops failed to show up on many of them.



check your local laws first before taking any advice