I haven’t been to court for a traffic violation in like 15 years. I rear ended someone in the pouring rain back in March and was given advice by the officer to plead not guilty to get a trial by judge. The officer literally told me “the judge is usually more lenient if you explain the weather and are honest. Plus, if I don’t show up it gets dismissed…” and gave me a look like they definitely aren’t showing up.

Any advice on what to do here? If the officer doesn’t show does it automatically get dismissed? Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I’ve only had two traffic tickets since I started driving.

I haven’t been to court for a traffic violation in like 15 years. I rear ended someone in the pouring rain back in March and was given advice by the officer to plead not guilty to get a trial by judge. The officer literally told me “the judge is usually more lenient if you explain the weather and are honest. Plus, if I don’t show up it gets dismissed…” and gave me a look like they definitely aren’t showing up.

Any advice on what to do here? If the officer doesn’t show does it automatically get dismissed? Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I’ve only had two traffic tickets since I started driving.