Alcohol & Drugs: MIP, MIC, Intoxication court date notifaction?

[runfast78]

My friends and I were cited for possession by consumption back in June and are scheduled for a court date this coming week. In talking with others who have had this same charge, they all received papers from the court in the mail a couple weeks before the court date reminding them of the charges. I have no criminal record and haven't been stopped for more then a warning about an expired inspection sticker. That said, I'm not familiar with the policies/procedures when it comes to this stuff. My questions is, is it common practice to receive some sort of paperwork before the court date? I live in Maine if that helps any, thanks.