In addition to use of the Code Enforcement Board process, Officers are empowered by State Statute and County Code to issue non-criminal citations.  These citations, while requiring the defendant to appear in County Court, are classified as civil infractions.  A person receiving a citation may choose to pay a reduced civil penalty and avoid a court hearing, or a hearing may be requested.  However, if someone is found guilty at a hearing, the responsible person may be ordered to pay the full penalty amount, without reduction.  Typically, citations are used as a last resort to correct violations which are on public property, such as illegal vendors or signage placed upon rights-of-way, but may be used for other code infractions on private property.  Additionally, citations may be used for violations which are repeatedly created and corrected immediately prior to Code Enforcement Board hearings or where use of the Code Enforcement Board has not deterred the respondent from continuing the violation.