How Long Does a Trial by Written Declaration Take?

One of the most common questions California drivers ask after filing a Trial by Written Declaration is how long they will have to wait for a decision. The short answer is 30 to 90 days, but the timeline depends on your court’s workload and your county.

The typical timeline

After you mail your TR-205 form, declaration, and bail deposit to the court, here is the general sequence:

1. The court receives and processes your filing. This can take one to two weeks depending on mail delivery and the court clerk’s processing queue.
2. The court sends a copy of your declaration to the citing officer. The officer has a set period to submit their own written response, which varies by court but is typically 30 days.
3. A judge or commissioner reviews both declarations and any submitted evidence. This review can take days or weeks depending on the court’s calendar.
4. The court mails you a written decision. First class mail typically adds three to five business days.

What affects the timeline

Court workload is the biggest factor. Courts with large case volumes process declarations more slowly. Filing during peak periods, such as the end of the year when many drivers rush to resolve citations before renewal deadlines, can add time.

Whether the officer responds also matters. Some courts will not render a decision until the officer’s response period has expired, even if the officer never submits one.

The county you filed in determines which court handles your case. Each of California’s 58 counties has its own processing pace.

How to check your case status

Most California courts offer case status lookup on their websites. You will need your citation number or case number. Some counties participating in the MyCitations portal also allow online status checks.

If you filed by mail and have not received a response after 90 days, contact the court clerk directly. Keep your proof of mailing, especially if you sent your filing via certified mail, as confirmation that the court received your documents.

What to do while you wait

While your case is pending, your driving record is not affected. The violation and any associated points are not added until a final decision is made. Your license remains valid and your insurance should not be impacted during this period.

After the decision

If your declaration is successful, the court dismisses the citation and refunds your bail deposit, typically within 30 to 60 days.

If the court rules against you, your bail is applied to your fine and you have 20 days to request a Trial de Novo if you choose.

Learn more about your options after a denial. What Happens If Your Written Declaration Is Denied →