What happens if a defendant does not dispute the traffic offense within the given time frame?

When a defendant fails to dispute a traffic offense within the specified time frame, the consequences typically involve the possibility of a default judgment being entered against them. A default judgment occurs because the court can interpret the lack of response as an admission of guilt or acceptance of the charges. This means that the defendant may be found liable for the infraction without a hearing or trial, resulting in penalties such as fines or other consequences associated with the traffic violation.

In contrast, ignoring a citation does not lead to cancellation of court proceedings or automatic dismissal of the case. The court continues its process, and the defendant risks facing additional legal repercussions for their non-action. Therefore, it is crucial for defendants to respond within the established timeline to avoid default judgments and potential escalated penalties.