A. Bureau Established; Rules: There is established a violations bureau for the city. The judge may establish rules, consistent with the laws of the state and with the ordinances of the city, for the violations bureau.
B. Administered By Court Clerk: The violations bureau shall be administered by the court clerk and be physically separate and apart from the police department.
C. Acceptance Of Fines: The violations bureau shall accept fines which may be paid in lieu of a court appearance for such offenses as may be designated by the city council. The schedule of fines shall be adopted by the city council from time to time by motion or resolution. A copy shall be kept in the clerk's office.
D. Court Appearance Required For Certain Offenses: In no event shall payment of a fine without court appearance be accepted in the violations bureau for the following offenses:
1. Driving under the influence of, or while impaired by, intoxicating liquor or drugs;
2. A driver's license offense; or
3. If specifically directed by the citing officer, judge, or other appropriate official to appear in court.
E. Final Determination Against Defendant: Payment of any fine to the violations bureau shall be deemed a final determination of the cause against the defendant.
F. Failure To Pay Fine: If a defendant who has elected to pay a fine under this section fails to do so, prosecution shall proceed under the provisions of this chapter. (1987 Code § 6-123)