What type of citation involves a promise to appear without admitting guilt?

A citation that involves a promise to appear without admitting guilt is classified as a criminal citation. This type of citation typically arises when an individual is accused of committing a violation that is considered a misdemeanor or felony under the law. When a person receives a criminal citation, they are not necessarily acknowledging guilt; instead, they are committing to attend a court hearing where the details of the case will be discussed.

In the context of law enforcement, this allows individuals to respond to the charges in a structured legal environment, affording them the opportunity to present their side of the story. The process also ensures that the right to a fair trial is preserved, as the individual is given the chance to contest the charge before a judge.

In contrast, civil citations usually pertain to non-criminal disputes that do not result in criminal charges, traffic citations specifically address violations related to vehicle operation, and ordinance citations are often linked to local laws and regulations. Each of these has its own process and implications that differ from criminal citations, solidifying why the latter is the correct choice in this context.