A citation bravo is a written notice that a police officer gives you instead of making an arrest
When a police officer stops you for a minor offense — like a traffic violation, disorderly conduct, or a low-level misdemeanor — they have a choice. They can arrest you and take you to the station, or they can write you a citation and let you go. A citation bravo (also called a "cite and release" or straightforward a "citation") is that written notice. The officer documents what they observed, hands you the paperwork, and you leave without being taken into custody.
The name "bravo" comes from police radio code — "bravo" stands for the letter B, which some departments use to mark citations in their systems. You might also hear it called a "notice to appear" or a "ticket," though those terms can mean slightly different things depending on your state and local police department.
The key difference between a citation bravo and an arrest is that you are not booked into jail. You do not get fingerprinted or photographed at the station. Instead, you receive a document with a court date, and you are responsible for showing up on that date to handle the charge.
Key Takeaways
- A citation bravo is a written notice from police that lets you leave the scene without arrest, with a court date printed on the paperwork.
- You are responsible for appearing in court on the date listed — missing that date can result in additional charges or a warrant for your arrest.
- The officer's decision to issue a citation instead of making an arrest is at their discretion and depends on the offense, your behavior, and local policy.
- A citation bravo does not mean the charge is dismissed; it means you will answer to it in court rather than in custody.
When an officer can issue a citation bravo instead of arresting you
Police officers have discretion in how they respond to minor offenses. For traffic violations, disorderly conduct, trespassing, minor drug possession, and other low-level misdemeanors, an officer may choose to issue a citation rather than make an arrest. The decision depends on several factors: the seriousness of the offense, whether you have outstanding warrants, your behavior during the stop, and your local police department's policies.
Some departments have formal guidelines that require officers to issue citations for certain offenses unless specific circumstances are present — such as a prior criminal history or a failure to provide identification. Other departments leave the choice more openly to the officer's judgment. If you are stopped and the officer believes the offense is minor enough to handle with a citation, they will write it out and hand it to you.
Not all offenses may have access to for a citation. Felonies, violent crimes, and situations where the officer believes you are a flight risk or a danger typically result in arrest rather than citation. If you refuse to sign the citation or provide false information, the officer may also decide to arrest you instead.
What information appears on a citation bravo
A citation bravo contains specific details that identify you, describe the offense, and tell you what to do next. The document will include your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number (if applicable). It will also list the offense or violation you are cited for, the date and location where it occurred, and the officer's badge number and department.
Most importantly, the citation will show a court date and time — this is when you are required to appear. It will also list the court location and may include information about bail or bond, though for minor citations you typically do not have to post bail. Some citations include a checkbox for whether you are being released on your own recognizance (meaning you are trusted to show up without paying money upfront).
The citation will explain your options: you can plead guilty, plead not guilty, or in some cases request a traffic school or diversion program. Read every line carefully, because missing the court date or misunderstanding your options can create serious problems.
Your responsibility after receiving a citation bravo
Once you have a citation in hand, you have one main legal obligation: appear in court on the date and time listed. This is not optional. If you do not show up, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you may face additional charges for failure to appear.
Before your court date, you should decide how you want to respond to the charge. You can plead guilty, which usually means paying a fine and accepting the offense on your record. You can plead not guilty, which means you will have a chance to contest the charge in court — either before a judge or, in some cases, with a jury. Some citations offer a third option: completing traffic school, community service, or a diversion program in exchange for the charge being dismissed or reduced.
If you cannot afford an attorney and the charge is serious enough to result in jail time if you are convicted, you may have the right to a court-appointed attorney. Ask the judge about this at your first court appearance. Keep the citation in a safe place and bring it with you to court — you will need it.
How a citation bravo differs from an arrest
The most obvious difference is that with a citation, you go home instead of to jail. You are not booked, fingerprinted, or photographed. You do not spend time in custody waiting for a bail hearing. This means you can return to work, school, or family obligations when ready.
However, a citation bravo is not a dismissal or a "get out of jail free" card. You still have a criminal or traffic charge against you, and you still have to go to court. The charge will still appear on your record if you are convicted. The main advantage is that you avoid the when ready disruption and expense of arrest and jail time.
From a legal standpoint, a citation is a promise to appear in court. If you break that promise by not showing up, the consequences can be worse than the original charge. A failure-to-appear charge is separate from the underlying offense and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a criminal record.
What happens if you lose or forget your citation
If you lose the citation paperwork, contact the police department or the court listed on the citation as soon as you realize it is missing. Provide your name, date of birth, and the approximate date of the stop. The court can look up your case and tell you the court date and location. Do not straightforward skip court because you do not have the paperwork — the court will have a record of the citation even if you do not.
If you genuinely cannot find the information and cannot reach the court before your scheduled date, go to the courthouse in person and explain the situation to the clerk. Bring identification and any details you remember about the stop. It is better to show up and ask for help than to miss your court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a citation bravo go on my criminal record?
If you are convicted (plead guilty or are found guilty at trial), the offense will appear on your criminal or driving record depending on the type of charge. If you are found not guilty or the charge is dismissed, it typically will not appear. Some jurisdictions allow you to request that a dismissed charge be sealed or expunged from your record.
Can I fight a citation bravo in court?
Yes. You can plead not guilty and have your day in court. You can question the officer's account, present evidence or witnesses, and argue that the charge should be dismissed. If you cannot afford an attorney, ask the judge whether you may have access to for a court-appointed one.
What happens if I miss my court date?
The judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You may also be charged with failure to appear, which is a separate offense that carries its own penalties. Contact the court when ready if you cannot make your date and ask about rescheduling or appearing by phone or video.
Do I have to sign the citation?
In most places, yes — signing the citation is a promise to appear in court, not an admission of guilt. If you refuse to sign, the officer may arrest you instead. Your signature does not mean you agree with the charge; it means you agree to show up in court.
Can the charge be dismissed before court?
Sometimes. You can contact the prosecutor's office and ask whether they will dismiss or reduce the charge. Some jurisdictions offer diversion programs or traffic school that result in dismissal if you complete them. Ask the court clerk what options are available for your specific charge.