Trial by Written Declaration

TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION

COURT INFORMATION

Court Name: _____________________________________________

Court Address: _____________________________________________

Court Phone: _____________________________________________

Case/Citation Number: _____________________________________________

DEFENDANT INFORMATION

Full Legal Name: _____________________________________________

Driver's License Number: _____________________________________________

State of Issuance: _____________________________________________

Date of Birth: _____________________________________________

Current Address: _____________________________________________

City, State, ZIP: _____________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________

CITATION INFORMATION

Citation Number: _____________________________________________

Date of Citation: _____________________________________________

Time of Citation: _____________________________________________

Location of Alleged Violation: _____________________________________________

Violation Code(s): _____________________________________________

Violation Description: _____________________________________________

Issuing Officer Name/Badge Number: _____________________________________________

Issuing Agency: _____________________________________________

REQUEST FOR TRIAL BY WRITTEN DECLARATION

I, the undersigned defendant, hereby request a Trial by Written Declaration pursuant to applicable state law. I understand that:

☐ I have the right to a court trial and am waiving that right by choosing this procedure
☐ My written statement will be considered as my testimony
☐ The citing officer's written statement will be considered as their testimony
☐ The court will decide the case based solely on written statements and evidence
☐ I must pay the full bail amount in advance, which will be refunded if I am found not guilty
☐ If found guilty, I have the right to request a Trial de Novo (new trial in person)

DEFENDANT'S STATEMENT OF FACTS

Circumstances of the Citation

On [DATE], at approximately [TIME], I was [driving/operating] a [YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, COLOR] vehicle with license plate number [PLATE NUMBER] at/near [LOCATION].

Weather Conditions: _____________________________________________

Traffic Conditions: _____________________________________________

Road Conditions: _____________________________________________

Visibility: _____________________________________________

My Account of Events

_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Reasons Why I Should Be Found Not Guilty

☐ I did not commit the violation as charged
☐ The signage was inadequate, missing, or obscured
☐ The speed detection device was not properly calibrated
☐ I was acting out of necessity/emergency
☐ The officer's observation was obstructed or inaccurate
☐ I was not the driver of the vehicle
☐ There was a legal justification for my actions
☐ Other: _____________________________________________

Detailed Explanation:

_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

EVIDENCE SUBMITTED IN SUPPORT

Photographs

☐ Photographs of the location
☐ Photographs of signage (or lack thereof)
☐ Photographs of road conditions
☐ Photographs of vehicle
☐ Other photographs: _____________________________________________

Documents

☐ Diagram of the intersection/location
☐ Maintenance/calibration records request
☐ Witness statements
☐ Medical records (emergency situations)
☐ Vehicle registration
☐ Proof of correction (if applicable)
☐ Other documents: _____________________________________________

Other Evidence

_____________________________________________

LEGAL ARGUMENTS

Applicable Vehicle Code Section(s)

The prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. _____________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________

Defense Arguments

_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

STATE-SPECIFIC PROCEDURES

CALIFORNIA

• Governed by Vehicle Code Section 40902
• Must submit within court deadline (typically before arraignment date)
• Use form TR-205 (Request for Trial by Written Declaration)
• Use form TR-200 (Trial by Written Declaration) for your statement
• Full bail amount must be posted
• If found guilty, must request Trial de Novo within 20 days using form TR-220

TEXAS

• Not all courts offer trial by written declaration
• Check with specific municipal court for availability
• Some courts call this "Trial by Affidavit"
• Procedures vary significantly by municipality
• Contact court clerk for specific forms and requirements

FLORIDA

• Written declarations generally not available for traffic cases
• Florida uses traffic hearing officers in many counties
• May request informal hearing by mail in some jurisdictions
• Contact specific county clerk for options
• Consider requesting hearing by affidavit where available

NEW YORK

• Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles most NYC violations
• TVB does not offer trial by written declaration
• Outside NYC: Contact local traffic court for procedures
• Some town/village courts may offer written statement options
• Generally must appear in person or request adjournment

DECLARATION UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY

I, [FULL LEGAL NAME], declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of [STATE] that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that making false statements is a criminal offense.

Signature: _____________________________________________

Printed Name: _____________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________

City and State where signed: _____________________________________________

CHECKLIST BEFORE SUBMISSION

☐ Completed all required sections
☐ Statement is clear, factual, and concise
☐ All evidence is properly labeled and attached
☐ Bail amount paid or payment enclosed
☐ Made copies of all documents for my records
☐ Submission deadline verified with court
☐ Proper court forms used (if required by jurisdiction)

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Submit to: Clerk of the Court at address listed on citation

Deadline: Check citation or contact court - typically 5-30 days before court date

Payment: Full bail amount required with submission

Method:
☐ Mail (certified recommended)
☐ In-person at court clerk's office
☐ Online (if available)

AFTER SUBMISSION

Expected Timeline: Courts typically decide within 30-90 days

If Found Not Guilty: Bail will be refunded

If Found Guilty:

• May request Trial de Novo (new in-person trial)
• Must request within specified deadline (varies by state)
• Bail will be applied to fine

This template is provided for general informational purposes. Not all jurisdictions offer trial by written declaration. Always verify current requirements and availability with your specific court.