How it works
Handle your California traffic ticket online without starting with a lawyer or court visit.
Takes about 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
Plain English
What is Trial by Written Declaration?
Trial by Written Declaration is California's mail-in process for contesting some traffic tickets. Instead of going to court first, you send the court your written statement and required forms by mail.
Before you pay
Before you pay, know what could happen next
Paying a ticket can mean accepting the violation. Depending on the ticket, that may affect DMV points, traffic school, and insurance. ClerkHero helps you check your options before you decide.
Check My Ticket- 1
Upload your ticket
Take a photo of your ticket or enter the details. ClerkHero checks the court, violation code, and deadline.
- 2
Check your options
Review what could happen if you pay and whether a written declaration path may fit your ticket.
- 3
Review your TR-205 packet
Get your forms, ticket details, statement structure, and filing checklist organized for review.
- 4
Print, sign, and mail
You print the packet, sign the forms, and mail everything to the court by the deadline.
- 5
Watch for the court decision
The court reviews the written materials and mails a decision. Timelines vary by court.
What ClerkHero helps organize
ClerkHero helps organize your ticket details, TR-205 paperwork, filing checklist, mailing steps, and next actions into one California-specific workflow.
Ticket details
Violation code, court, deadline, and ticket facts.
TR-205 paperwork
The written declaration forms and packet structure.
Filing checklist
What to review, print, sign, include, and mail.
Mailing steps
Court address checks, mailing steps, and proof-of-mailing reminders.
Deadline reminders
Key dates so the packet is not left until the last minute.
Packet review
A clearer final review before you decide what to submit.
What happens after you mail your packet?
After you mail your packet, the court reviews the written materials. The officer may respond. The court then mails a decision. Timelines vary by court.
1
The court receives your written declaration packet
2
The officer may send a written response
3
The court reviews the written materials
4
The court mails a decision
5
You follow the instructions in the decision letter
Most eligible tickets handled through Trial by Written Declaration do not require an initial in-person court appearance.
Refund available for eligible cases if not dismissed
Refund applies to ClerkHero's service fee and is subject to the refund-policy terms. Court bail, fines, and government fees are separate.
Read refund policyBuilt for California TR-205 steps
The workflow is focused on California traffic ticket paperwork, written declaration packet review, and mailing steps.
Clear filing checklist
You see what to review, print, sign, include, and mail before your deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trial by Written Declaration is California's mail-in process for contesting some traffic tickets. Instead of going to court first, you send the court your written statement and required forms by mail.
Before you pay your ticket, check your options.
Upload your ticket to review deadlines, traffic school issues, insurance impact, and written declaration options before deciding what to do next.
Check My TicketTakes about 2 minutes. No payment required to check.