What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

In Virginia, a citation and a ticket are both forms of written notices from an authority, such as a police officer, that an individual has been accused of breaking a law. However, there are some important distinctions between these documents. A citation, unlike a ticket, does not always come with a fine. A citation is more like a warning that informs the accused that they are being accused of a certain violation and that they should appear in court to answer the allegation. A citation can be issued in both criminal and non-criminal cases, such as when a person is pulled over for speeding. A ticket, however, is a more serious document. It is issued when the accused has violated a criminal law. This type of ticket must be issued with a fine attached, and the accused must appear in court to answer the charge. A ticket can also result in jail time or other criminal penalties if the accused is found guilty. The difference between a citation and a ticket in Virginia is an important one to understand. If a person receives a citation for a non-criminal offense, they can often avoid a fine by attending court to contest the charge. However, if a ticket is issued, the accused must pay the fine and appear in court to answer the charge or face the possibility of Jail time or other criminal penalties.

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What is the difference between a citation and a ticket?

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