Hearings

• A traffic court judge must preside over hearings. When a defendant appears in court, he has the choice to plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. No contest means the defendant technically did it but there were extenuating circumstances. If he pleads not guilty, the judge sets a trial date.
  
  Felony traffic offenses committed within the court's jurisdiction are heard before the judge before being passed to higher courts.
  
  If a defendant fails to pay a citation or show up for hearing, the judge issues a bench warrant for his arrest.
  
  

Trials and Sentencing

• A judge or magistrate can conduct trials in traffic-related cases. The defendant can ask for a trial by jury if she desires one.
  
  The length of the trial depends on the type of case and the number of witnesses. Sentencing can take place the same day or the judge may choose to wait.
  
  In some states, such as Ohio, these judges also preside over civil trials for claims of less than $3,000.
  
  

License Suspension or Revocation

• The judge can suspend a defendant's driver's license for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reckless operation, too many points, or driving with a dangerous illness or disability such as seizures. Some cities, such as Detroit, have added parking tickets to the list.
  
  The judge is responsible for enforcing the state's financial responsibility laws. If you drive without insurance, the court automatically suspends your license regardless of other offenses. The judge seizes your license and notifies the state's registrar of motor vehicles. This action avoids a mix-up that allows you to get a duplicate or renewed operator's license. It also prohibits you from obtaining a vehicle tag.
  
  

Collections

• Fines, courts costs and penalties keep the system operating. The judge accesses all fines, court costs, penalties and any restitution at the time of sentencing.
  
  The court forwards the restitution to the victim. He receives restitution without further contact from the perpetrator. It also serves as proof whether the defendant made restitution.
  
  Many courts turn over old accounts to collection agencies.