Fight a traffic ticket in Contra Costa County — without going to court

Got a citation in Contra Costa County? California law gives you a way to contest it entirely by mail: a Trial by Written Declaration under Vehicle Code §40902. No court date, no time off work — and if you lose, you can still request a brand-new in-person trial.

How it works in Contra Costa County

  1. Your ticket is handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa — the court and mailing address are printed on your citation or courtesy notice.
  2. Before your appearance date, you file a written not-guilty plea with your declaration (form TR-205) and deposit the bail amount — refunded in full if you win.
  3. The citing officer must respond in writing. If the officer doesn't submit a statement, the case is typically dismissed.
  4. A judicial officer decides on the papers and the court mails you the decision, usually within 30–90 days.

Why drivers pick the written route

  • Nothing to lose: if the decision goes against you, you have 20 days to request a Trial de Novo — a completely fresh in-person trial.
  • Officer no-shows help you: written statements are extra paperwork; officers skip them more often than court dates.
  • A win means $0 and no point: your deposit comes back, and nothing reaches your insurance.

Common citations we help contest

CVC 16028 · Proof of Financial Responsibility (Insurance) CVC 21453 · Circular Red Signal CVC 21461 · Failure to Obey Regulatory Sign or Signal CVC 21658 · Lane Straddling / Unsafe Lane Change CVC 21703 · Following Too Closely CVC 22107 · Unsafe Turn or Lane Change CVC 22349 · Maximum Speed Limit (65/55 mph) CVC 22350 · Basic Speed Law CVC 22450 · Stop Sign — Failure to Stop CVC 23123 · Handheld Wireless Telephone Use CVC 23123.5 · Handheld Electronic Device Use CVC 4000 · Registration Required

Start with a photo of your ticket

We read your citation, draft your declaration, mail it certified to the court on your citation, and track every deadline until the decision.

Fight my Contra Costa County ticket

Worried about cost or timing? Try the fine calculator and the deadline calculator, or read the Trial by Written Declaration FAQ.