What is my first step if I receive a criminal citation in Nebraska?

Read the citation carefully and note the court date at the bottom. Do not miss that date. Failure to appear can result in an arrest warrant being issued the same day and an additional misdemeanor charge under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-426. Contact a Nebraska criminal defense attorney before your court date, even if you think the offense is minor. Many citation cases can be resolved with a reduced charge or dismissal if handled correctly from the start.

Can I fight a criminal citation in court?

You have the right to plead not guilty at arraignment and have your case heard by a judge or jury. An attorney can examine whether the officer had proper grounds to issue the citation, whether the facts support the charge, and whether any procedural errors occurred. Even if you did commit the underlying act, a defense attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser charge that keeps the offense off your criminal record.

Could a criminal citation show up on background checks?

Only if it results in a conviction. If the case is dismissed, you are found not guilty, or you complete a deferred judgment program, the conviction does not appear. However, if you are convicted, the record will show on background checks. In Nebraska, a set-aside under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264 reduces some consequences but does not remove the conviction from public view. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can still see it.

Can I negotiate the penalties associated with a criminal citation?

In many cases, yes. Prosecutors in Douglas County, Sarpy County, and other Nebraska jurisdictions often have discretion to offer plea agreements, deferred judgments, or diversion programs, particularly for first-time offenders. A deferred judgment is especially valuable because it allows you to complete a probationary period and have the case dismissed, leaving no conviction on your record. Whether these options are available depends on the specific offense, your history, and how the case is presented by your attorney.

What does citation in lieu of arrest mean?

It is the declared policy of the State of Nebraska to issue citations in lieu of arrest to the maximum extent consistent with effective enforcement of the law and the protection of the public. In plain terms, it means the officer chose to issue you a formal notice to appear in court rather than physically arrest you. You are still being charged with a crime — you just were not taken to jail that day. The legal process that follows is the same as if you had been arrested.

What happens if I just pay the fine on a criminal citation?

Paying the fine is treated as a guilty plea and results in a criminal conviction on your record. Many people assume paying is the easiest way to make the problem go away, and it is in the short term. But the long-term consequences of a conviction, including background checks, licensing, and employment issues, often outweigh the immediate inconvenience of going to court. Before paying any fine on a criminal citation, speak with an attorney about whether a better outcome is possible.

Does a criminal citation affect a professional license in Nebraska?

It can. Healthcare licensing boards in Nebraska, including those overseeing nursing, medicine, and other professions, are required to conduct criminal background checks. As of 2024, licensing agencies may not consider non-conviction records, non-violent misdemeanor convictions, convictions that have been set aside or pardoned, and felonies and violent misdemeanors more than three years in the past. However, certain serious convictions can still affect your ability to obtain or renew a license. If you hold or are pursuing a professional license, protecting your criminal record from a conviction is especially important.

Blog - Petersen Criminal Defense Law

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 2 minutes | Criminal Defense

Petersen Criminal Defense Law Scholarship for Criminal & Public Law Students

Supporting the Next Generation of Criminal Justice Advocates Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipient, Oliva Lore! We would like to thank all of our applicants for participating in our contest and we are very excited to help Oliva further...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 6 minutes | Criminal Law

Understanding a No Contact Order

Key Points A no contact order is a court order issued in a criminal case, often at the initial hearing, that bars the defendant from contacting the alleged victim while the case is pending. “No contact” means any form...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 5 minutes | Criminal Defense

Detained vs. Arrested: What’s the Difference?

Have the police ever stopped you and questioned you about a situation? It can be nerve-racking, leaving you wondering whether you were detained or arrested. In Nebraska, the difference between the two is not just semantics; it carries significant...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 4 minutes | Criminal Defense

What Is Wellness Court in Nebraska?

Mental illness can significantly alter the trajectory of a criminal case. The charge may come after a crisis, missed medication, homelessness, substance use, or a police response that escalated quickly. In Nebraska, Wellness Court provides eligible defendants with a...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 5 minutes | Drug Crimes

Prescription Legend Drug Offenses: What You Need to Know

Imagine filling a prescription for a medication you need, only to later find yourself accused of possessing or distributing it illegally. Confusion sets in as you realize this seemingly routine act has thrust you into the criminal justice system....

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 4 minutes | Domestic Violence in Nebraska

What Happens After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Nebraska?

An arrest can split a family’s life in half. One person may be in jail. Another may be trying to understand a no-contact order. Work, housing, parenting, and court dates can become urgent overnight. If you are wondering what...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 4 minutes | Drug Crimes

What Is Drug Court in Omaha?

A drug arrest can make everything feel like it is closing in: court dates, family pressure, treatment questions, and the fear of jail. In Omaha, some defendants have another option. If you are asking, “What is Drug Court?”, the...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 8 minutes | DUI Defense

What Are SCRAM Devices? How Does An Alcohol Monitoring Bracelet Work?

Courts and probation departments often rely on technology to track people who are on pretrial release or probation. GPS bracelets and electronic monitoring systems are nothing new. However, evolving technology now allows courts to monitor people’s sobriety remotely with...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 4 minutes | Criminal Defense

Benefits of Veterans Court for Veterans Facing Charges

A criminal charge can feel heavier when the person facing it has also served in the military, lived with trauma, battled addiction, or struggled to adjust after coming home. Maybe the charge involves DUI, drugs, assault, or a probation...

By Petersen Criminal Law | Read Time: 5 minutes | Criminal Defense

What You Need to Know About Criminal Citations

Receiving a criminal citation can feel alarming especially if you’ve never dealt with law enforcement before. As a Nebraska criminal defense attorney with over 15 years of experience in county and district courts across Omaha and the surrounding area,...

1 2 3 … 44 Next

X/Twitter
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Contact Us
If your situation is urgent, consider calling now at 402-509-8070. We will not give legal advice via email inquiries. If you submit a request, we will respond with a phone call which may be within 24 hours.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Phone Number*
What State Was This Charged In?
Petersen Criminal Law is only Licensed in Nebraska. I'm sorry but if you're not in Nebraska, I cannot assist you with your case.
What County Was This Charged In?
Description*

Practice Areas

Omaha Federal Crimes Lawyer
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence
Theft Crimes
Sex Crimes
- Rape Defense
- Child Pornography Defense
DUI

Omaha Criminal Defense Law Blog