Quoting
zduck
My sister just had a similar situation. She was cited for the same thing (using our mom's handicap placard when she shouldn't have). How can you tell if it was issued as a "parking citation" as you mentioned? The notice to appear is checked "traffic" at the top, but in the details below, next to the CVC4461(c) number, the "m" is circled as a misdameanor. Does this mean she will now have a criminal record if she pays the fine? She just plans to pay it, since she knows she was wrong and there are no extenuating circumstances really for any defense.