I received a citation, now what?

Campus Security has jurisdiction over infractions allegedly committed on the property of Northwest University in violation of the Northwest University Motor Vehicle Policy. These non-criminal violations are punishable by a fine in a presumptive amount set by Northwest University. Infractions include all varieties of traffic tickets, parking tickets, and other non-criminal violations of the Northwest University Motor Vehicle Policy.

You must respond to the notice of infraction within ten (10) University business days from the date it was issued. A response must be submitted to the Security Director not later than midnight on the day the response is due. All responses must be submitted in writting and will NOT be taken in person, over the telephone or by email.

If you receive an infraction, you have four options:
     1. Pay your ticket
     2. Deferred Finding
     3. Mitigation
     4. Contested

1)  Pay your ticket. If you choose to pay your ticket, simply do nothing and the fine will be charged to your university account. Your infraction will be deemed committed.

2)  Deferred Finding. If you have not had an infraction deferred in the last year you may request a deferral.

 To request a deferred finding, you must meet the following conditions:

• Agree that the violation was committed.
• Complete six months from the date your deferred finding is signed without receiving another traffic infraction.
• Only receive one deferred finding during a school year.

If all of these conditions are met, your infraction may be deferred for six months. If you receive a deferred finding and then commit another infraction within the six month deferral period, the original violation and fine is assessed against your university account.

A deferred finding may be requested by submitting the completed Deferred Finding Form (PDF). Submit the form to the Security Director within ten (10) business days. If your deferred finding request is approved, you will receive a copy of the finding by return mail. If your deferred finding is not approved, you will receive a copy of the finding by return mail and the fine will be assessed against your university account.

3)  Mitigation. In mitigation, you admit that you committed the violation, but ask to reduce your fine based upon mitigating circumstances. Mitigation is an informal process where you may explain the circumstances of your case. Your explanation along with your Northwest University driving record is considered in setting an appropriate fine. There is no appeal from a mitigation hearing. Infractions issued for reckless driving may not be mitigated.

Mitigation is requested by submitting the Request Mitigation Form within ten (10) business days.

4)  Contested. In contesting an infraction, you do not admit you committed the violation. The University bears the burden of establishing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that you committed the violation. The University meets this burden if the Security Director, after hearing all of the evidence, determines that it is more likely than not that the violation was committed. A defendant has the right to present evidence.

To contest a violation, you must submit a detailed letter (no email or attachments to an email) within ten (10) business days with any evidence to the Director of Security. Include the citation number, vehicle license number and an explanation with any evidence as to why the infraction was given wrongly. If you fail to provide any of requested information the appeal may not be considered.