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Judge Dale Chase
Judge Dale H. Chase
Nancy L. Abbott
Nancy L. Abbott
Clerk of Court

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS FAQ's

Do I Have To Go To Court?

Most minor traffic offenses do not require an appearance in Court.  If you have had less than two convictions for a moving violation in the last two years, you can pay the stated amount at  the Clerk's office or you can send a check or money order payable to Medina Municipal Court, 135 North Elmwood Avenue, Medina, Ohio 44256. Be sure to state who the ticket is for, or enclose a copy of the ticket. When you do this, you are admitting guilt. Your payment should reach the Court by the Court date at the bottom of the ticket. DO NOT SEND CASH. If you need a receipt, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

What Offenses Require a Court Appearance?

1. Any serious offense (see "Waivers" section below). 
2. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any drug of abuse.
3. Leaving the scene of an accident.
4. Driving while under suspension or revocation of a driver's or commercial driver's license.
5. Driving without being licensed to drive, except where the driver's or commercial driver's license had been expired for six months or less (driving with license expired less than 6 months is waiverable).  
6. A third moving traffic offense within a twelve-month period.
7. Failure to stop and remain standing upon meeting or overtaking a school bus stopped on the highway for the purpose of receiving or discharging a school child.
8. Willfully eluding or fleeing a police officer.
9. Drag racing.

Waivers

What offenses cannot be paid with a waiver?

Serious offenses which carry a possible jail sentence (e.g., Driving Under the Influence of alcohol, Driving Under Suspension, etc.), moving violations (e.g., speeding, assured clear distance, stop sign, traffic light, etc.) when the defendant has been convicted of 2 or more moving violations in the last 12 months.<

What types of offenses can be paid
with a written waiver?

Generally, minor traffic offenses can be paid through the mail. The defendant must include full payment of the fine and court costs (as contained on the waiver card usually provided by the officer at the time the citation is issued), along with the defendant's blue copy of the ticket. The defendant must complete & sign the waiver information requested on the reverse side of his blue copy of the citation and send it along with his payment. If the citation notes that a personal appearance is required, the defendant must appear on the date specified on the citation.
IF YOU FAIL TO PAY YOUR FINE AND COSTS OWED TO THE COURT IN THE TIME GRANTED, YOUR LICENSE WILL BE PUT UNDER SUSPENSION AND YOU WILL BE UNABLE TO REGISTER LICENSE PLATES IN YOUR NAME UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID YOUR FINE AND COSTS.

IF YOU ARE A LICENSED DRIVER OF ANOTHER STATE AND FAIL TO PAY YOUR TICKET, YOUR VIOLATION MAY BE REPORTED TO THAT STATE AND YOUR RIGHT TO DRIVE WILL BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FINE AND COSTS ARE PAID.