Federal tickets are issued by law enforcement personnel from federal agencies for offenses committed on federal property, military institutions, or for certain federal offenses that occur on private property. You might also receive a ticket for certain offenses at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, the Big South Fork National River in Oneida, the Appalachian Trail, the Cumberland Gap, or one of Tennessee’s many other national parks and sites.
Federal tickets state “U.S. District Court Violation Notice” at the top of the ticket. They are also sometimes referred to as “CVBs”, named after the associated Central Violations Bureau that processes them.
Common offenses that result in these federal citations include speeding, vandalism, driving under the influence (DUI), and possession of marijuana or other controlled substances; however, any criminal activity in a protected location can result in a citation or arrest, including violent crimes.
Many citations require a mandatory appearance in federal court, though some citations will state on the document that you have the option of attending court on a certain date or paying the prescribed fine. If you pay the fine, you will not need to attend court; but paying may result in unintended consequences. For example, certain states may treat such payment as an admission of guilt; a driving-related offense may affect your driver’s license; and it may appear on certain criminal background checks.
Before panicking at the thought of appearing in federal court, or paying a fine and hoping for the best, contact one of the attorneys at The Cave Law Firm in Greeneville, Tennessee. Our attorneys are admitted to practice in the United States District Courts of Eastern Tennessee in Knoxville and Greeneville. We can provide guidance and assistance with your legal concerns. We may be able to help you achieve a more favorable resolution with the government than you might hope to accomplish on your own, so call and ask for a free in-person or telephone consultation today.