What happens when a defendant appeals their traffic conviction?

When a defendant appeals their traffic conviction, the municipality typically will not report the conviction to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) until the appeal process is complete and the conviction is considered final. This practice helps ensure that the defendant's right to contest the conviction is respected and that any potential ramifications, such as points added to their driving record or fines, do not occur until all legal avenues have been exhausted. If the appeal results in the conviction being upheld, that is when the reporting to DPS would take place. This procedure is important for maintaining fairness in the legal process and ensuring that no unjust penalties are applied prematurely.