Plea in Absentia
If you have been charged by citation (ticket) with any of the following offenses in Alachua County, you may be eligible to enter a plea in absentia:
- Open container (alcohol)
- Possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years of age
- Possession of alcohol inside the stadium
A plea of absentia is a plea of guilty or no contest to the offense with which you are charged and it is taken by the court without the requirement that you actually have to appear in court.
Please note - the City of Gainesville's Open Container ordinance can now be enforced in either civil or criminal court. Before filing a plea in absentia form for an Open Container charge, please verify that you have received a Notice to Appear for criminal court. The Plea in Absentia form cannot be used for civil cases.
To enter a plea in absentia you must:
- Complete the Petition to Enter Plea in Absentia and sign it before a notary public (have it notarized).
- Make a photocopy of your Driver's License or State Identification Card.
- Make a photocopy of your citation.
- Enclose a certified check or money order for the total of the fees, costs, and fines which you owe.
- At least one (1) week prior to the court date on the citation, mail all of the above to:
- The court will accept your plea in absentia to the offense.
- The court will adjudicate you guilty of the offense. This means you are convicted of the crime, which is a second degree misdemeanor.
- The court will sign a judgment and sentence imposing the monetary total for your charge. A copy will be mailed to you.
- The case will be closed.
Failure to appear in court or follow these instructions will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.