Caught With Open Alcohol, BP 25620

My question involves traffic court in the State of: California. I was in Berkeley, CA and had a red cup of beer outside my friend's home. The officer, wearing street clothes with a badge around his neck gave me the ticket. It is a Traffic Infraction. I asked him repeatedly if I had to go to court and he said no, it was only a fine that I would receive in the mail. I told him that I work in Los Angeles and he reassured me that I would not have to go to court. The ticket arrived in the mail a couple of days ago and it says that I have a mandatory court appearance. I live in Los Angeles and the court appearance is in Alameda. Can I avoid the court appearance and pay the fee? Since the officer was incorrect in telling me that I had no court date, can the ticket be dismissed entirely?

No, it appears to require an appearance. The police officer likely told you that so he would not need to listen to you whine about the inconvenience.

Regardless of what he officer told you, you still have to take care of the citation. If the officer misinformed you, bad on him and you can complain to his employer. But, he has no control over the court system.

So, if the court will allow you to pay the fine and be done with it, so be it., If not, then you have to appear. You can always call the court and see what they might tell you, but, unless you receive notice IN WRITING that you do not have to appear, you had best be there.

If I admit guilt can I avoid going to traffic court and mail in the fine? This is for the Alameda Courts.

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Quoting djballer02

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If I admit guilt can I avoid going to traffic court and mail in the fine? This is for the Alameda Courts.

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You will have to contact the court and find out.