Court Dates
This page tells you about:
Online: You may reserve a hearing online by clicking on this link to CourtSchedule.
In person: You may request a court hearing in person by visiting the Traffic Clerk's Office at South County Courthouse or Family Justice Center Courthouse. Due to long wait times we recommend that you use our online hearing reservation tool.
By Phone: You may call the Traffic Clerk's Office at 408-556-3000. Due to long hold times, we recommend that you use our online hearing reservation tool.
You must wear a shirt and shoes. The Court does not recommend wearing tank tops or shorts. There are other courtroom rules, too:
- No food, drink, or gum
- No weapons
- Turn off pagers and cell phones
If your ticket requires a mandatory appearance, you must go to court to set the court date. You must come to court if:
- the validation criteria requires it
- the Court orders it
- you have four or more prior traffic convictions
- you were cited for speeding at a dangerous speed
You must go to the South County Courthouse or the Family Justice Center Courthouse to process tickets for traffic and minor offenses.
The Court has interpreters. When you ask for a court date, tell the clerk what language you speak. Sometimes the court has special dates and times (calendars) for Spanish or Vietnamese speakers. If you ask for a court date by mail, tell the Court in your letter that you need an interpreter. (Also see the Interpreter page in the General Information section of this website.)
Ask for a continuance. You can do this in person, by phone or in writing. The Court will allow one continuance for arraignments or trials if the parties have waived their right to trial within time periods set by law.
If your court date is for arraignment, you must ask for your continuance at least ten court days before that date.
If your court date is for court trial, you must ask for your continuance at least ten court days before that date. If the Commissioner set your court date, the clerk CANNOT postpone your case. You must write a letter to the Court to ask for a continuance.
Failure to appear for a court date may result in your bail being increased, a $300 Civil Assessment being imposed, a hold/suspension being placed on your driver’s license, and/or a warrant being issued for your arrest. When the Court is holding bail money in trust, the money can be forfeited, and additional fees may be added for your failure to appear in court.
Please contact the Court right away for any options that may be available.