(A) The defendant shall appear in court at the time mentioned in the summons if the citation is for:
(1) Owning a vicious or dangerous dog;
(2) Owning a dog not vaccinated for rabies;
(3) An offense for which an owner or keeper of a dog has been convicted at least twice during the previous 12 months if the offenses involve the dog which is subject to the present citation; or
(4) Being a habitual offender.
(B) In other cases, the defendant shall either appear in court at the time indicated in the summons, or prior to such time shall deliver the summons to the court, together with a check or money order in the amount of bail set forth in the summons, and either:
(1) A request for a hearing;
(2) A statement of explanation or mitigation of the offense charged; or
(3) The executed appearance, waiver of hearing, and plea of guilty appearing on the summons. A statement in explanation or mitigation also may be enclosed with a guilty plea.
(C) If a defendant submits a written statement to the court as provided in this section, it operates as a waiver of hearing and consent to judgment by the court. Bail shall be forfeited on the basis of such statement and any testimony or written statement of the arresting officer or other witnesses which may be presented to the court. A judgment by the court declaring a forfeiture of bail, pursuant to this section, shall be deemed a conviction of the offense charged in the citation.
(County Ord. 692, passed 7-12-2001)