§ 16-17-136 - Waiver of appearance and entry of plea to traffic violations in district court and city court. - Arkansas Statutes

16-17-136. Waiver of appearance and entry of plea to traffic violations in district court and city court.

Notwithstanding any rule of criminal procedure to the contrary:

(1) A person who is charged in district court or city court with committing an offense, excluding a violation of the Omnibus DWI Act, 5-65-101 et seq., or the Underage DUI Law, 5-65-301 et seq., or any other offense for which a court appearance is mandatory, may waive appearance and trial and plead guilty or nolo contendere by a signed statement;

(2) (A) With the signed statement, the person shall pay the fine and court costs in an amount as established by the district court or city court within the limits prescribed by law.

(B) Fines and court costs shall be paid to the county or city official, agency, or department designated under 16-13-709 as primarily responsible for the collection of fines assessed in the district courts and city courts of this state; and

(3) The court shall accept the signed statement accompanied by the fine and court costs assessed as a plea of guilty or nolo contendere and shall proceed accordingly.