@khird (A) I cant speak to california law, never recieved a ticket there. I am however refering to what it says on the tickets in the states I have received tickets. It very clearly states you are only acknowledging receipt.

(B) There misdemenors are not criminal offenses and the consequences are gravely different. When i was a kid i got a speeding ticket, I never showed up in court. No one arrested me, they just revoked my license and gave me a fine.