INSTRUCTIONS TO DEFENDANT
(Trial by Written Declaration)
(Vehicle Code, § 40902)
Vehicle Code section 40902 allows a defendant to contest citations in writing, without having to make a personal court
appearance. This procedure is called a "trial by declaration." Trials by written declaration are available in cases involving
infraction violations of the Vehicle Code or of local ordinances adopted under the Vehicle Code. The following
instructions tell you how to obtain a trial by written declaration:
Completely fill out the Request for Trial by Written Declaration (form TR-205) and sign it (type or print clearly). You
may include evidence such as photographs and diagrams. You should also attach your written statement of what
happened (type or print clearly). In your statement, you must describe all the items of evidence (if any) that you are
including with your request. Your written statement must include the following language: "I declare under penalty of
perjury that this statement is true and correct." You must sign and date each written statement (these statements are
called "declarations").
1.
Return the completed and signed Request for Trial by Written Declaration and pay the required bail amount to the
court. A completed Request for Trial by Written Declaration form and the required bail amount must be received by
the clerk by the due date indicated. (See item A on the request form for the due date.) If the clerk receives the form
after the due date, you will not be eligible for trial by written declaration. Failure to deposit bail by the due date may
subject you to other charges, penalties, assessments, and actions.
2.
After the clerk receives the Request for Trial by Written Declaration, the clerk will notify the officer who issued you the
citation. The officer will be given an opportunity to submit a declaration regarding the citation by a specified due date.
You will be notified by mail of the court's decision.
3.
INSTRUCTIONS TO DEFENDANT
(Trial by Written Declaration—Traffic)
If you are dissatisfied with the court's decision, you may ask for a new trial ("trial de novo"). In order to obtain a new
trial, you must file the Request for New Trial (Trial de Novo) (form TR-220) within 20 days after the date the court's
decision was mailed to you.
4.
Always include your citation number in any correspondence with the court.5.
Form Adopted by the
Judicial Council of California
TR-200 [New January 1, 1999]
Vehicle Code, § 40902
6. IMPORTANT: You have the right to an in-person trial before a judge (rather than a trial by written declaration). You
also have a right to a new trial if you are dissatisfied with the court's decision in your trial by written declaration. At a
court trial you have the following rights:
To be represented by an attorney employed by you;
To have a speedy and public trial;
To testify, to present evidence, and to use court orders without cost to compel the attendance of witnesses and the
production of evidence on your behalf;
To have the witnesses against you testify under oath in court, and to question such witnesses;
To remain silent and not testify and not incriminate yourself.
•
•
By filing a declaration in a trial by written declaration, you are waiving and giving up the rights to remain silent and not
to incriminate yourself.
TR-200
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