
Facing federal charges?
Greenville attorney Keith Williams is board-certified in federal criminal law.

United States District Court Violation Notice Cases
Misdemeanor and traffic offenses committed on federal property, such as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore area and the Cape Lookout National Seashore area, can be charged in federal court with a “Violation Notice.”
A United States District Court Violation Notice is often filed under the Code of Federal Regulations, which may show on your notice as “CFR.” Or the Violation Notice can borrow state law to support the violation, even though it is handled in federal court. That would show on your notice as “NCGS,” meaning the North Carolina General Statutes.

Understanding a U.S. District Court Violation Notice
Toward the bottom, if Box A is checked for “Appearance is Required,” you have to go to court. In our area, the court date for a case from the coastal area of eastern North Carolina is generally held at the federal courthouse in Greenville, North Carolina, where our office is located. If you have not yet received a court date notice, you should watch your mail.
If Box B is checked for “Appearance is Optional,” you can pay off the ticket without appearing in court. But here is what the payment agency, the Central Violations Bureau (CVB), says about the risk:

Reference (as of 9/19/2025)
In my experience, a charge on a United States District Violation Notice can often be reduced or sometimes dismissed if we go to court. We can talk with the prosecutor to see what can be arranged. If needed, we can plead not guilty and go to trial.
If you have received a United States District Court Violation Notice, we would be glad to talk with you for a free telephone consultation. You can reach us at 252-931-9362.
BOARD-CERTIFIED
Greenville, NC Criminal Defense Attorney
FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Keith Williams is a board-certified specialist in federal and state criminal law.
STATE CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Facing criminal charges in North Carolina? Click to get help with your case.
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EXPUNCTION
Call 252-931-9362 to speak with felony expungement lawyer attorney Keith Williams.
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