26-007 Online Trials by Written Declaration

The Judicial Council of California has added a new, online module for defendants to submit requests for infraction trials "by written declaration." Beginning February 18, 2026, officers will be notified by email when a defendant has elected an Online Trial by Declaration (OTBD) requiring the submission of a TR-235 Officer Declaration within the OTBD module. 

The OTBD module replicates the same fields as the TR-235 paper form currently in use. The OTBD module is accessible from a link in the email attachment and from the MyApps portal. Attached is a brief start guide on accessing the module and submitting the form. Officers shall 
accept service of the emailed notice in accordance with Department email policy and confirm receipt with an email reply. [Redacted]

For a TR-235 to be submitted in the OTBD module, the defendant must consent to receive electronic notice of their judgment. So, if the defendant requests a Trial by Declaration on paper, a TR-235 must be submitted on paper. Return paper TR-235s directly to the Traffic 
Court Clerk's Office in Room 145 at the Hall of Justice or scan and email them to the Court Liaison Unit's new email for traffic court matters at [Redacted]

To request a dismissal or continuance, submit a signed SFPD 506 form to the Court Liaison Unit by email. Officers who fail to submit the TR-235 or request dismissal before the due date are subject to the same discipline as a failure to appear in court. 

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police