A few years ago, it was reported that Ohio leads the nation in the number of traffic tickets issued. This, of course, came as little surprise to long-term residents of the Buckeye State.

If you've recently joined the group and have received a traffic ticket, you have two basic options: pay it or fight it.

If you choose to do the former, the simplest thing to do is to look at the back of the ticket for the address of where to mail your payment, and do so promptly.

There should also be a listing of a physical location where you can make your payment in person, along with the hours of operation. Some towns also will give you the option of paying online.

The cost of your violation will vary widely, depending on what municipality you were in when you received the ticket. Some municipalities have their own Web site, and will provide a list of their traffic fines. For others, you'll have to call the number listed on the ticket for more information. Or, if you like suspense, you can just show up in person at the payment center, and find out then.

Now, depending on your violation, you may have to be appear in traffic court. (Or, juvenile court if you're under 18.) If this is the case, you will not be able to just mail in your payment, or stop by the payment center. In these instances, it will be noted on your ticket that you will have to go to court, and will usually have a date and time assigned. (If you will not be able to appear in court on the day marked, call the number on the ticket.)

Of course, for most traffic violators, you can choose to go to traffic court and contest the ticket. Here's a basic idea of what to expect when you get there.

The judge will ask you if you understand the charges, and the penalties associated with them. You may bring an attorney with you, but it's not necessary. You may plead either guilty, no contest, or not guilty.

If you plead guilty, the judge will immediately announce your sentence.

If you plead no contest, it means that you are not disputing the facts of the ticket. However, it will give you the chance to tell your side of the story, or to provide additional information. The judge will then find you either not guilty, or guilty. If it's the latter, the judge will render your punishment.

If you plead not guilty, a court date will be set. The judge may decide to have a pre-trial.

A pre-trial is an informal meeting between you, the prosecutor, and your attorney, if you have one. The case will be discussed and you can say why you feel you're not guilty of the charges. The prosecutor will review the information, and give his or her recommendation for punishment. At this point, it's possible to make a plea agreement with the prosecutor, and avoid having to go a trial. If this happens, the judge will be notified, and the agreement will be entered on the record.

If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial. Most traffic trials will be held only before a judge, and not a jury. Most traffic offenses are considered to be minor misdemeanors, and you do not have the right to ask for a jury trial for a misdemeanor. However, if your offense carries the risk of jail time, you do have the right to ask for a jury trial. Just be sure to do so at least 10 days before the trial date.

At the trial, the prosecutor will present the evidence of the case, and witnesses will be called. Either you or your attorney may question the witnesses.

Once the prosecutor has finished, you will be able to testify for yourself, but you are not required to do so. You or your attorney may also call your own witnesses.

Once both sides have been heard, either the judge or jury will give their verdict. If you are found guilty, the judge will announce your punishment. For most common traffic violations, the punishment will be a fine.

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