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(a) If the defendant has not previously acknowledged guilt or liability and satisfied the judgment as concerns traffic infractions, he or she shall appear before the court at the time scheduled for first appearance.

(b) The defendant may appear in person or by counsel who shall enter appearance in the case; provided, however, if an admission of guilt or liability is entered, the court may require the presence of the defendant for the assessment of the penalty.

(c) If the defendant appears in person, he or she shall be advised of the following:

(1) The nature of the traffic infraction alleged in the charging document;

(2) The penalty and fees and costs that may be assessed, and the penalty points that may be assessed against his or her driving privilege;

(3) The consequences of the failure to appear at any subsequent hearing, including entry of judgment against the defendant and reporting the judgment to the state motor vehicle division which may assess points against his or her driving privilege and may deny an application for a driver's license;

(4) He or she has the right to be represented by an attorney at his or her expense;

(5) He or she has the right to deny the allegations and to have a final hearing before the court;

(6) He or she has the right to remain silent because any statement made by the defendant may be used against him or her;

(7) Guilt or liability for a traffic infraction must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt;

(8) He or she has the right to testify, subpoena witnesses, present evidence, and cross examine any witness;

(9) Any answer must be voluntary and not the result of undue influence or coercion on the part of any person; and

(10) An admission of guilt or liability constitutes a waiver of the rights in this subsection and any right to appeal.

(d) The defendant personally or by counsel shall answer the allegations in the charging document either by admitting guilt or liability or by denying the allegations.

(e) If the defendant admits guilt or liability, the court shall enter judgment and assess the appropriate penalty and the fees and costs. (Code 1979, § 37-146)