Deferred Disposition

Deferred Disposition (Probation)

You may request to have your citation dismissed by pleading "no contest" or "guilty," paying court costs, and requesting deferred disposition - often referred to as probation. Defendants will be required to pay a Special Expense fee of $50 plus fine and court costs to process a Deferred Disposition.

You May Not Be Eligible for Deferred Disposition if:

There was an accident - or an accident where witness(es) were involved.
A speeding violation exceeded the posted speed limit by more than 24 MPH.
The violation was committed while passing/overtaking a school bus.
The violation occurred in a construction zone with workers present.
Your citation is for a violation other than a traffic citation.

You Are Not Eligible for Deferred Disposition if:

You are under 17 years of age.
You have had probation in the last 12 months.
You are the holder of a commercial driver's license.

DL (commercial driver's license) holders do not qualify for this option.

Defendants who enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere/no contest are generally eligible for deferred disposition or probation to keep the offense from appearing on their driving and/or criminal records. A deferred disposition/probation request must be submitted in writing by mail or made in person at the Court clerk's office on or before the appearance date on your citation.

Offenses not qualifying for deferred disposition:

Speeding 21 miles or more over the speed limit in a regular zone.
Speeding 11 miles or more in a school zone.
A traffic offense in a construction zone with workers present or any other serious traffic offense.

Cost & Fee

The State court costs will be due to the Court upon granting a deferred disposition/probation request. The deferred disposition fee must be paid in full on the last day of your probation period. Because the costs and fees will vary according to the offense cited and the facts and circumstances of your case, you will need to contact the Court to learn the exact amount of the deferral fee owed for your citation(s).

Deferred/Probation Conditions

If your request for deferred disposition is granted, you will be placed on probation for a period of time not to exceed 180 days (generally 60 days). As a condition of your probation, you must not receive any additional citations in the City of Bridgeport, including parking tickets, during the deferral period. Other conditions may also be imposed to qualify for deferred disposition. Any conditions or terms required to complete the deferral period will be provided to you in writing by the Court. In addition, you will be required to read and sign the deferred disposition Order acknowledging receipt of the information needed to satisfy your deferral terms.

If you are under the age of 25, you will be required to complete defensive driving.

Citation Dismissal

At the end of the deferral period, provided you have met all the conditions of your probation, the Judge will dismiss your citation without a final disposition. Dismissal of the citation is not reported to the Department of Public Safety, and thus, the offenses are not recorded on your driving and/or criminal record.

Failure to Comply

If you fail to comply with any one of the terms and conditions of your probation, you will be scheduled on the "show cause" docket and will have to appear in Court to discuss your case.

However, if you do not appear at this hearing, a final judgment of guilty will be entered. Without further notice, a capias pro fine warrant for your arrest may be issued immediately. The guilty conviction will be reported to the Department of Public Safety and will appear on your driving and/or criminal record and may result in the assessment on your driver's license of a surcharge under the Driver Responsibility Program.