Contest Citation

If you wish to contest a citation issued in a county other than Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington County, please contact the local court for assistance.

Information about Hearing Officer Appointments in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties

If you wish to contest a citation issued in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington county, staff at the MN Court Payment Center (CPC) are available to discuss the appointment options for meeting with a Hearing Officer.

A Hearing Officer is authorized by the Court to hear citation cases and provide options. Depending on the facts of your case and your violation history, some of the options they may be able to offer include:

plead guilty with an explanation,
a reduced fine amount,
a payment plan to pay the citation over time,
a continuance for dismissal with payment of prosecution costs,
set your case for arraignment.

If a case does not settle with a Hearing Officer, you have the right to ask for a court hearing if your citation is for a misdemeanor offense. If the citation is for a petty misdemeanor, this right is waived if the defendant does not appear within 30 days as provided in Minn. Stat. § 169.91.

The Hearing Officer (not a judge) will review the citation(s), defendant’s violation history, court history, driving record and other information relevant to the citation(s) being contested, and will listen to the defendant's explanation of the circumstances. The Hearing Officer will explain the consequences of the violation(s), including fines. It is not possible to have a trial with evidence at this meeting because a trial can only take place in court with a judge.

The Hearing Officer will explain the guidelines for settling the citation(s) and will determine what options the defendant may have with their case. The defendant may ask questions about the options, but the Hearing Officer cannot give opinions or advice about the defendant’s decision. A plan is then made for the defendant to meet the terms of the agreed upon settlement, and when all of the terms are completed, the citation matter is settled.

Photo identification. A birth certificate is NOT an acceptable form of identification.
Proof of insurance documentation for the vehicle, letter from the insurance company, or copy of the insurance policy, if applicable.
The crash or collision report, if applicable.
Color, photographic proof and receipts showing equipment violations have been corrected, if applicable.
Photographic proof of front and back license plates showing violation has been corrected, if applicable.
The actual disability permit, a photograph is not sufficient, if applicable.
A juvenile offender (under 18 years at the date and time of the offense) needs to appear with a parent or legal guardian, if applicable.
Someone other than the owner may meet with the hearing officer to address parking violations, if applicable.

A Hearing Officer is authorized by the Court to hear citation cases and provide options. If you do not like the options that apply to you, you may ask that the case be set for court, unless you waived your right to a court hearing under Minn. Stat. § 169.91. That statute says that if you fail to appear for a petty misdemeanor, you have waived your right to a trial and plead guilty to the charge.

How to meet with a Hearing Officer

By Appointment

If you have received a payable citation in one of the following cities in Anoka County, you may schedule a hearing officer appointment that uses remote technology by calling the CPC.

Blaine
Circle Pines
Columbia Heights
Coon Rapids
East Bethel
Fridley
Lino Lakes
Ramsey
St. Francis

If your citation was issued in any other city in Anoka County, and you wish to contest, please contact Anoka County Court Administration at (763) 760-6600 to request a court date.

Pay Fines