What to Do When You Receive a Federal Court Citation in California
Posted on July 13, 2023 by John
When you receive a federal court citation, it is important to understand what the citation means and what your rights and responsibilities are. A federal court citation is a ticket issued by law enforcement personnel from agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Nellis Air Force Base, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc. The ticket will usually say “United States District Court Violation Notice” at the top and will provide information about the alleged violation and the date, time, and place at which the citation was issued.
It is important to note that a federal citation is not the same as a criminal citation. A criminal citation is issued by the police or other law enforcement agency for a criminal offense and can result in fines, jail time, or other penalties. A federal citation, on the other hand, is issued for a civil infraction and is not considered a criminal offense. The penalties for a federal citation are typically a fine or a warning, and the violation is not recorded on your criminal record. Federal court citations are issued for offenses such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, and possession of illegal substances on federal property. To ensure that these citations are processed consistently, the Central Violations Bureau (CVB) was established.
What Is the Central Violations Bureau?
The Central Violations Bureau (CVB) is a centralized system for processing federal tickets and violation notices. The CVB is responsible for the collection, tracking, and processing of violations notice—including federal court citations—issued by federal law enforcement agencies. The CVB was established by the Department of Justice to serve as a central point of contact for processing federal violations notices. The CVB is managed by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, which is based in Washington, DC.
What Types of Offenses Are Covered by the CVB?
The CVB is responsible for processing violations notices for all types of offenses committed on federal property, including but not limited to:
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of illegal substances
- Destruction of property
- Failure to pay fees
- Possession of firearms
- Unauthorized camping
- Violation of permit requirements
- Unauthorized use of motorized vehicles
- Unauthorized use of federal lands
- Violation of environmental laws
- Possession of endangered species
How Does the CVB Process Violations Notices?
When a violation notice is issued, it is sent to the CVB for processing. The CVB will review the violation notice and determine whether it is appropriate. If the violation notice is appropriate, the CVB will notify the proper law enforcement agency and inform them that the violation notice has been issued.
When you receive a federal court citation, you will have the opportunity to either plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you are admitting that you committed the violation and will be responsible for paying the fine or another penalty. If you plead not guilty, you are denying the allegations and have the right to contest the federal court citation in court. If you choose to plead not guilty, you must attend the court hearing and present your defense.
At the court hearing, the judge will consider the evidence presented by both sides and will decide if you are guilty or not guilty. If the judge finds you guilty, you will be responsible for paying the fine or another penalty. If the judge finds you not guilty, the citation will be dismissed.
If the individual chooses to pay the fine associated with the federal court citation, they can do so through the CVB’s online payment system or by mailing in a check or money order. In addition, the individual may also be required to attend a court-approved program or complete community service hours.
What Are the Consequences of Not Responding to A Violation Notice?
When you receive a federal court citation, it is important to take it seriously and not ignore it. Ignoring a federal court citation can result in additional fines and penalties. You should read the citation carefully and be sure to understand the violation that is being alleged and the penalties that may be imposed if you are found guilty. You may also want to consider consulting an attorney to help you understand your rights and obligations and to help you navigate the legal process.
It is important to remember that if you are charged for a motor-vehicle violation, it can have long-term consequences. In some cases, the violation can be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and may result in points on your driving record and/or a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Additionally, some violations can result in criminal charges if you fail to pay the fine or another penalty.
The Legal Help You Need
If you receive a Federal court citation in California, contact the Law Office of David Leicht to represent you. Attorney David Leicht has the experience and knowledge to handle your federal court citation with the utmost attention and dedication.
From the moment you contact the law office, Mr. Leicht will begin working on your case. He will review all the facts, negotiate with the prosecuting attorney, as well as represent you in court if needed. He is committed to protecting your rights and will strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t take your federal court citation lightly. Call us at (760)-256-3104 or use our online form to set up a free consultation and put the power of an experienced attorney on your side.
Serving Barstow, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Baker, Needles, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear, San Bernardino, Mojave, Phelan, Wrightwood, and the surrounding California communities.
534 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
