As you’re going about your day, a law enforcement officer hands you a piece of paper—a criminal citation. Instantly, questions fill your mind. What is a criminal citation? What does this mean? Will it stay on my record? Could I end up in jail? Knowing the impact of a criminal citation on your life and record is crucial to protecting your rights.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about how citations may affect your record and the steps to consider.
What Is a Criminal Citation?
A criminal citation is a formal notice from law enforcement that you’re accused of a minor offense—typically a misdemeanor. Unlike an arrest warrant, a citation doesn’t mean jail at the time of issuance. Instead, you’ll be expected to appear in court on a specific date to address the accusation. The citation will include:
- The name and address of the person cited;
- A description of the offense; and
- Date, time, and location of the court appearance
According to Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-422, law enforcement can issue citations rather than arrest a person for certain minor offenses.
Does a Criminal Citation Go on Your Record?
A criminal citation can impact your criminal record, depending on the outcome of your court appearance. If you’re convicted of the cited offense, it may appear in your criminal history. This may impact your employment opportunities, housing options, and overall quality of life. Nebraska law allows some criminal records to be sealed after fulfilling court requirements, so it’s essential to understand your options early. Consulting a Nebraska defense attorney can help you keep your record clean or minimize any lasting effects.
Criminal Citation Examples
In Nebraska, criminal citations often involve minor misdemeanors, including:
- Public intoxication,
- Shoplifting under a certain value,
- Disorderly conduct,
- Trespassing, or
- Vandalism.
Although these may seem minor, they still require court appearances and fines and can affect your record.
Can You Go to Jail for a Criminal Citation?
While a criminal citation doesn’t typically mean jail right away, failing to appear in court or fulfill the citation’s requirements could lead to serious consequences. Ignoring your legal obligations might result in an arrest warrant and possible jail time. You can avoid these severe outcomes by handling the citation responsibly and consulting an attorney.
Criminal Citation vs. Ticket: Key Differences
A criminal citation accuses you of a misdemeanor offense and often requires a court appearance. Conversely, a ticket typically covers minor traffic infractions or other non-criminal violations that can be resolved by paying a fine.
The difference between a criminal citation and a ticket lies in the offense type; tickets usually do not demand a court appearance and do not appear on a criminal record. On the other hand, a criminal citation is issued for a criminal offense. It often requires a court appearance, with possible consequences beyond fines.
Take Control of Your Case with Petersen Criminal Defense Law
A criminal citation doesn’t have to affect your future forever. With over 30 years of experience, Petersen Criminal Defense Law is here to guide you through Nebraska’s legal process, protecting your rights at every step. Contact us today to see how we can help you handle your citation and confidently move forward.
FAQs
What’s My First Step If I Receive a Criminal Citation?
If you receive a citation, read it carefully and note the court date. Missing this date can lead to severe consequences. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and potential defenses.
Can I Fight a Criminal Citation in Court?
You can challenge a criminal citation in court, where a judge or jury will hear your case. An experienced defense attorney can help build a defense to minimize penalties or dismiss the charge.
Could a Criminal Citation Show up on Background Checks?
Yes, a citation could appear on a background check if it leads to a conviction. You might be able to get it removed from your record with an attorney’s help.
Can I Negotiate the Penalties Associated with a Criminal Citation?
It may be possible to negotiate penalties or even reduce the impact of a criminal citation. Depending on the circumstances, a defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal, get the charge reduced, or help you avoid a conviction altogether. An experienced attorney will evaluate your case, guide you through your options, and work toward a more favorable outcome.
Resources:
- Additional Information: Misdemeanor Cases in Nebraska. Nebraska Judicial Branch, link
- Criminal Justice Process in Nebraska. Nebraska Judicial Branch, link
- What Is The Difference Between Receiving A Citation And Being Arrested? University of Nebraska- Lincoln, link
Attorney Petersen was invited to join the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD) organization in 2013. NAFDD vets thousands of lawyers and only chooses those who have achieved stellar results in DUI defense cases. Attorney Petersen was named one of the Top 50 defense attorneys in Nebraska out of more than 5,000.
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