1. (1) Unless a person who has been cited for a civil infraction pays the fine and surcharges pursuant to sections 24-4.1-119 (1)(g), 24-4.2-104 (1), and 24-33.5-415.6, the person shall appear at a hearing on the date and time specified in the summons and complaint and answer the complaint. This requirement to appear may be complied with by appearance of counsel.
2. (2) If a minor under eighteen years of age is required to appear at a hearing pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the minor shall inform the minor's parent or legal guardian, and the parent or legal guardian shall also appear at the hearing.
3. (3) If the person answers that the person is guilty or if the person fails to appear for the hearing, the magistrate shall enter judgment against the person.
4. (4) If the person denies the allegations in the complaint, a final hearing on the complaint must be held subject to the provisions regarding a speedy trial in section 18-1-405. If the person is found guilty or liable at the final hearing or if the person fails to appear for a final hearing, the magistrate shall enter judgment against the person.

5. (5)

   1. (a)

      1. (I) If judgment is entered against a person, the magistrate shall assess the appropriate fine and surcharges, a docket fee of sixteen dollars, and other applicable costs authorized by section 13-16-122 (1).
      2. (II) All docket fees collected pursuant to subsection (5)(a)(I) of this section must be transmitted to the state treasurer for deposit in the judicial stabilization cash fund created in section 13-32-101 (6).
   2. (b) A magistrate shall not issue a bench warrant for the arrest of any person who fails to appear for a hearing pursuant to subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section or for a final hearing pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

Source: L. 2022: Entire article R&RE, (HB 22-1229), ch. 68, p. 338, § 1, effective March 1.