I am a Michigan resident who received a citation for disregarding a red light in late December. I have scheduled a court date and intend to plead not guilty. I have done a lot of research and believe I have a good case that will result in a not guilty verdict. My court date, according to the Notice to Appear that I received in the mail, is scheduled for this Thursday, 2/2/06. Yesterday, 2 days before my court date, I received a message on my home phone telling me that the court would like to reschedule the hearing because the officer cannot make the scheduled hearing time. The message indicated that I would receive notification in the mail in the next week. I want to know if I am within my rights to appear for my originally scheduled date and time and expect a hearing. I would then expect the case to be dismissed since the officer is unable to appear. It seems to me an official notice to appear is more legally binding than a phone message. Plus, getting off work for the scheduled time was a hassle to begin with.