Question 1

Do I need to download an app to use ClerkHero?

Accepted Answer

No. ClerkHero is available as a web-based platform. You can upload your ticket, review your options, and prepare your Trial by Written Declaration packet online from your browser.

Question 2

What does ClerkHero help with?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero helps California drivers prepare traffic ticket documents, including Trial by Written Declaration packets, using ticket details, court information, and California Vehicle Code references.

Question 3

Do I mail this myself, or does ClerkHero file it for me?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero prepares your Trial by Written Declaration packet, but you are responsible for reviewing, signing, printing, and mailing it to the court. We do not automatically file anything with the court unless we clearly say otherwise for a specific service. Before mailing, review your packet carefully and contact support if anything looks incorrect.

Question 4

Can I review or edit my defense before anything is submitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nothing is filed automatically. You should review your TR-205 packet before mailing it. If a fact, location, date, violation, court address, or explanation looks wrong, contact ClerkHero support before you send it to the court.

Question 5

What exactly do I need to mail to the court?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your mailing packet should include: Your completed TR-205 form Your signed declaration Any evidence or attachments included with your packet Any court notice or citation documents the court asks you to include Bail payment, if required by your court Any other court-specific forms listed in your packet instructions Always follow the instructions in your ClerkHero packet and any instructions from the court.

Question 6

Do I need to include bail payment with my TR-205 packet?

Accepted Answer

Many California courts require the bail amount to be submitted with a Trial by Written Declaration before they will process the case. The exact amount and payment instructions come from your court or citation portal. If you mail a check or money order, write your citation or case number on the memo line when possible. If your case is dismissed, the court typically refunds the bail amount. If the violation is found valid, the bail is usually applied toward the fine.

Question 7

Should I use regular mail or certified mail?

Accepted Answer

First Class Mail may be accepted, but we recommend using USPS Certified Mail or another tracked mailing method. Tracking gives you proof that the court received your packet before the deadline.

Question 8

What happens if I lose?

Accepted Answer

If the court does not dismiss your ticket, the bail amount is usually applied toward the citation fine. You may also have the option to request a new in-person trial, called a Trial de Novo, using Form TR-220. This gives you another opportunity to contest the ticket in court. If your case is not dismissed, you may qualify for ClerkHero’s service-fee refund under our guarantee. You will need to send us official court documentation showing the final decision.

Question 9

How does the ClerkHero refund guarantee work?

Accepted Answer

If the court does not dismiss your case, ClerkHero may refund the ClerkHero service fee you paid. The refund applies to the ClerkHero service fee only. It does not cover court bail, fines, court fees, traffic school fees, or other government charges. To request a refund, send us official court documentation showing the final decision on your case. Once we receive it, we will review the request and process eligible refunds.

Question 10

How long does the court take to respond?

Accepted Answer

Court response times vary. Some courts respond in a few weeks, while others can take longer. If your check is cashed, that usually means the court received or processed your payment. It does not necessarily mean the court has made a decision yet. Your court portal may show a status such as “Trial by Declaration” while the case is still pending.

Question 11

What if my packet has a mistake?

Accepted Answer

Do not mail a packet that contains incorrect information. If your packet has the wrong location, date, citation number, violation, court, officer statement, or case details, contact ClerkHero support before mailing it. We can review the issue and help with a correction if needed.

Question 12

What if my packet is missing the defense explanation?

Accepted Answer

Contact ClerkHero support right away. Your packet should include the completed TR-205 materials and the defense statement or explanation prepared for your case. If something appears missing, send us your order number and the email address used at checkout so we can locate the packet and help.

Question 13

What evidence should I attach?

Accepted Answer

Helpful evidence depends on the type of ticket and your facts. Common examples include: Clear photos of the location, sign, signal, lane, or roadway Dashcam or video evidence Maps or diagrams Proof of correction, registration, insurance, or repair documents Court notices or citation documents Any documents that support the facts in your statement Only include evidence that is accurate, relevant, and easy for the court to understand.

Question 14

I paid but did not receive my confirmation or packet email. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check your spam, promotions, and junk folders. If you still cannot find the email, contact ClerkHero support with: Your order number, if available The email address used at checkout The date of purchase The name on the ticket or case We can help locate your order and resend access to your packet.

Question 15

Do you support tickets outside California?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero currently focuses on California traffic tickets and California Trial by Written Declaration packets. If your ticket is outside California, our current packet process may not apply.

Question 16

How does ClerkHero work?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero works in 3 easy steps: (1) Upload your ticket or enter details manually, (2) Answer a few simple questions about your situation, (3) Download ready-to-send documents to fight your ticket by mail—no court needed.

Question 17

What types of traffic tickets can ClerkHero help with?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero handles most California traffic infractions including speeding tickets, red light violations, stop sign violations, cell phone tickets, seat belt violations, and other moving violations. We cannot help with DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run, or criminal charges - these require attorney representation.

Question 18

Do I need to appear in court?

Accepted Answer

No! That's the beauty of Trial by Written Declaration - you contest your ticket entirely by mail. You never have to take time off work, find parking, or sit in a courtroom. Everything is handled through written documentation.

Question 19

What is Trial by Written Declaration?

Accepted Answer

Trial by Written Declaration is a legal process available in California that allows you to contest traffic tickets through written statements instead of appearing in court. You submit a TR-205 form with your defense arguments, the officer has 30 days to respond, and a judge reviews both sides to make a decision.

Question 20

How much does ClerkHero cost?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero charges a flat fee of $79 per ticket. This covers everything: legal research, defense generation, TR-205 form completion, and submission guidance. No hidden fees, no hourly billing, no surprise charges. You only pay when you're satisfied with your defense package.

Question 21

Why is ClerkHero only $79 when attorneys charge $300-800?

Accepted Answer

We've automated and streamlined the legal research and document preparation process that attorneys do manually. By using technology and proven legal templates, we can offer the same quality defense documents at a fraction of the cost, while maintaining professional standards.

Question 22

Are there any hidden fees or additional costs?

Accepted Answer

No hidden fees whatsoever. The $79 fee covers everything ClerkHero provides. You'll need to pay court-required bail (refunded if you win) and certified mail costs (~$5-10), but these aren't ClerkHero fees - they're standard court requirements for any written declaration.

Question 23

When do I have to pay?

Accepted Answer

You don't pay anything upfront. Start your case for free, complete our questionnaire, and review your generated defense. You only pay the $79 fee when you're ready to download your complete defense package. No risk, no commitment until you're satisfied.

Question 24

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ClerkHero offers a Dismissal Guarantee for eligible cases. If your qualified citation is not dismissed after the court issues its final decision, we will refund your ClerkHero fee. To qualify for a refund:  • You must submit your Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205) by the court’s deadline
• You must follow the provided submission instructions
• You must provide documentation of the court’s final ruling
• The citation must not be dismissed Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the court’s final decision. Important Notes ClerkHero prepares and delivers a customized digital defense package based on the information you provide. Once your defense package has been generated and delivered, refunds are not available for: • Change of mind
• Choosing not to submit your documents
• Missing court deadlines
• Pleading guilty or accepting traffic school before a ruling
• Submitting modified or materially altered legal arguments
• Providing incomplete or inaccurate case information If your ticket is dismissed, including dismissal due to the officer not responding, your case is considered successfully resolved and no refund applies.

Question 25

What's the success rate for fighting traffic tickets with ClerkHero?

Accepted Answer

Our overall success rate is approximately 68%. This includes automatic dismissals when officers don't respond (30-40% of cases) plus wins when judges rule in favor of our legal arguments. This is significantly higher than the 15-25% success rate of DIY attempts.

Question 26

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

The complete Trial by Written Declaration process takes 60-90 days from submission to final decision. This includes 30 days for the officer to respond and 30-60 days for judicial review. ClerkHero generates your defense documents within 24-48 hours of payment.

Question 27

What happens if the officer doesn't respond?

Accepted Answer

If the citing officer fails to respond within 30 days, your case is automatically dismissed and you receive a full refund of your bail. This happens in approximately 30-40% of written declaration cases. It's one of the key advantages of this process.

Question 28

What if I lose my case?

Accepted Answer

If you receive a guilty verdict, you have options: (1) Pay the fine and accept the points, (2) Request a Trial de Novo (completely new trial in person) within 20 days, or (3) Appeal to a higher court. Many people win on their second attempt with Trial de Novo using different strategies.

Question 29

What documents do I need to submit?

Accepted Answer

You'll submit: (1) Completed TR-205 form, (2) Copy of your citation, (3) Your written declaration statement (generated by ClerkHero), (4) Any supporting evidence, and (5) Bail payment (refundable). ClerkHero provides everything except the bail payment and mailing costs.

Question 30

Is this legal? Can I really contest my ticket by mail?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Trial by Written Declaration is a legal right guaranteed by California Vehicle Code Section 40902. It's been available since 1967 and is used by thousands of drivers annually. Courts are required by law to offer this option for most traffic infractions.

Question 31

What if I already paid my ticket?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, once you've paid your traffic ticket, you've waived your right to contest it. Payment is considered an admission of guilt. However, you may have options for clearing points from your record through traffic school, depending on your driving history and violation type.

Question 32

Can I still get traffic school if I use ClerkHero?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your written declaration, you can request traffic school during your Trial de Novo or when paying your fine, subject to eligibility requirements. However, if you win with ClerkHero, you won't need traffic school since your case is dismissed entirely.

Question 33

Will this affect my insurance or driving record?

Accepted Answer

If you win your case with ClerkHero, there's no impact on your insurance or driving record - the charges are completely dismissed. If you lose, the impact is the same as if you had paid the original ticket. Fighting the ticket gives you a chance to avoid any negative consequences.

Question 34

How do I upload my ticket?

Accepted Answer

You can take a photo of your ticket with your phone or scan it. Our system uses advanced OCR technology to extract all the important details automatically. If you don't have a digital copy, you can also enter the information manually using the details from your citation.

Question 35

What if your system can't read my ticket?

Accepted Answer

If our OCR system has trouble reading your ticket, you can simply enter the information manually. We'll guide you through exactly what information is needed. The most important details are the citation number, violation code, court information, and due date.

Question 36

Is my personal information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we take data security seriously. All personal information is encrypted in transit and at rest. We use industry-standard security measures and never share your information with third parties. Your data is only used to generate your defense documents.

Question 37

What if my court date is soon?

Accepted Answer

You need to submit your TR-205 form BEFORE your scheduled court date. We recommend submitting at least 10 days early to account for mail delivery. If your court date is within a few days, contact the court to request an extension or consider paying for expedited shipping.

Question 38

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Accepted Answer

Missing the deadline to submit your written declaration typically results in automatic conviction, full fines, points on your record, and possible additional penalties. Courts have zero tolerance for late submissions, which is why we emphasize submitting well before the deadline.

Question 39

How should I mail my documents?

Accepted Answer

Always use certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides proof of delivery and protects you if there are any disputes about timing. Keep all receipts and tracking numbers. Regular mail is not recommended for legal documents with strict deadlines.

Question 40

How is ClerkHero different from hiring a traffic attorney?

Accepted Answer

Attorneys charge $300-800+ and often use the same Trial by Written Declaration process we do. ClerkHero provides the same quality legal arguments and professional documentation at a fraction of the cost through automation and technology. The main difference is price and convenience.

Question 41

Why not just fight it myself?

Accepted Answer

DIY attempts have only a 15-25% success rate compared to our 68%. Most people don't know proper legal arguments, make procedural errors, or accidentally admit guilt in their statements. ClerkHero provides professional-quality defenses based on thousands of successful cases.

Question 42

What about online traffic school instead?

Accepted Answer

Traffic school doesn't dismiss your charges - you still pay the full fine and the violation stays on your record (hidden from insurance). ClerkHero aims for complete dismissal, meaning no fine, no points, and no record. If you lose, you can still do traffic school as backup.

Question 43

What if I have questions during the process?

Accepted Answer

We provide customer support throughout the process. You can contact us via email or through our help center for guidance on completing forms, understanding next steps, or clarifying any part of the process. We're here to help you succeed.

Question 44

Can you help with multiple tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Each ticket requires a separate $79 fee since each citation needs individual defense preparation and court submission. However, we can handle multiple tickets simultaneously and often find efficiencies when working on similar violations from the same time period.

Question 45

What if I'm not a California resident?

Accepted Answer

ClerkHero works for any traffic ticket issued in California, regardless of your state of residence. The Trial by Written Declaration process is the same whether you live in California, another state, or even another country. Your residency doesn't affect eligibility.

Question 46

Do you mail my documents to the court for me?

Accepted Answer

No. ClerkHero prepares your defense package and provides detailed mailing instructions. You are responsible for printing, signing, and mailing your TR-205 documents to the court.

This ensures accuracy and allows you to control your submission directly.

Question 47

Is ClerkHero a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. ClerkHero is a self-service document preparation platform. We generate structured, violation-specific defenses based on the information you provide.

We do not provide legal representation or appear in court on your behalf.

Question 48

How customized is my defense?

Accepted Answer

Your defense is generated based on:
• Your violation code
• Your citation details
• Your driving history inputs
• Court-specific formatting requirements

The structure follows proven defense frameworks for TR-205 cases. It may reference established legal standards, but it is tailored to your violation type and case inputs.

Question 49

What does “Win or Full Refund” mean?

Accepted Answer

If your eligible case is not dismissed after the court issues its final decision, we refund your ClerkHero fee.

Refund eligibility requires:
• The ticket qualifies for Trial by Written Declaration (TR-205)
• Accurate information was provided
• You submitted the defense by the court deadline
• You did not plead guilty or accept traffic school before the ruling

Refunds are processed after the final court outcome is issued.

Question 50

What if I decide not to submit the documents?

Accepted Answer

If you choose not to submit your defense after receiving your documents, you are not eligible for a refund.

ClerkHero’s service is the preparation and delivery of your defense package.

Frequently Asked Questions