What is the procedure for entering a plea to a criminal charge?

There are 3 possible pleas to a criminal charge: 

  • Guilty: In a Guilty plea, you admit you committed the act(s) charged, that the acts are prohibited by law and that you have no legal defense for such acts.
  • Not Guilty: In a Not Guilty plea, you deny guilt and the Town must prove the criminal charge against you.
  • No Contest: In a No Contest (or nolo contendere) plea, you neither admit guilt nor deny it.

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1. What happens if I missed my court date for a criminal charge?
2. What happens if I missed my court date for a traffic ticket?
3. Can I reschedule/continue my court date?
4. Do I have to be in court today?
5. Something unexpected has come up (e.g. illness, car issues, etc.) and I cannot make my court date today. Can you tell the judge/officer or continue my case?
6. Why didn't the judge dismiss my case since the officer was not there?
7. Can I represent myself?
8. My child (age 17 or older) received a ticket for curfew violation, possession of tobacco, or underage drinking. Does he/she need to go to court?
9. My child (age 16 or older) received a traffic ticket. Does [s]he need to appear in court?
10. What is the procedure for entering a plea to a criminal charge?
11. What happens at a trial?
12. Can I plead by phone?
13. How long is the court session? Will it last longer than an hour?
14. Can I get a prayer for judgment?
15. Can I appear earlier than my trial date and time and speak with the judge?
16. Can I pay my ticket and still appear to plead not guilty?