Traffic or Ordinance Violation Arraignment
Violation Citation Options:
Check for the court date and time! Failure to appear for your court appearance will result in a Guilty by Default judgment, the full presumptive fine assessed, and additional fees added before and after your case is referred to a private collection agency. If the violation is for a traffic offense, an order to suspend your driving privileges will be imposed as well.
You can appear on your scheduled court date and time, or choose one of the following options (also listed on the back of your citation):
Option 1: Enter a plea of No Contest and pay the court the amount of the presumptive fine written on the front of the citation. If the court accepts your plea, the court may not impose a fine that is more than the amount of the presumptive fine.
Option 2: Enter a plea of No Contest and send a letter of explanation. You must do all of the following before the day and time this citation requires you to appear in court. If you respond by mail, the mail must arrive at the court before you are required to appear.
1. Sign/date the citation where indicated; AND
2. Send or take to the court this citation and the full amount of the presumptive fine; AND
3. Attach a written statement explaining the circumstances of the violation(s) charged.
IMPORTANT: If you choose this option, you will make a written appearance and waive your right to a trial. The court may consider your written statement when establishing the amount of the fine. The court cannot impose a fine that is less than the minimum fine amount. If the court finds you guilty, the court may keep all or part of the money you pay. The court will not fine you more without giving you notice to come to the court for a hearing.
Option 3: Enter a plea of Not Guilty and request a trial by doing one of the following:
A. Go to the court on or before the day and time written on the front of this citation to plead not guilty and request a trial.
B. Submit a written request for a trial by doing all of the following before the day and time this citation requires you to appear in court. If you respond by mail, the mail must arrive at the court before you are required to appear.
1. Sign/date the citation where indicated; AND
2. Send or take to the court this citation by itself or with a written request for a trial.
IMPORTANT: You have a right to a trial. The court will give you notice of the time and place when you MUST appear in person and may impose penalties if you do not appear. The court may require you to deposit money to assure your appearance if you failed to appear on any offense charges in the past. If the court finds at trial that you are guilty, the court cannot impose a fine that is less than the minimum fine amount. The court will not impose a fine if it finds you not guilty.
Option 4: Contact the court before the day and time this summons requires you to appear to determine if you qualify for a trial by declaration. If so, the trial will be based upon sworn, written statements. Future court appearances may not be necessary. If you do not qualify or the court does not offer this option, you must comply with one of the other options listed above.
Presumptive Fine Amounts/ Class Information: The fine amounts the Violation Bureau (court clerks) can impose are the same as the Judge is allowed by law to impose. The State sets maximum and minimum amounts which the court must adhere to. Presumptive fines are based on the class of violation also set by state statute (ORS 153.018-153.021).
Seat belt offenses can be handled by attending a class if there are no prior seat belt convictions on your driving record in the last 10 years and you have not previously attended the class. Administrative fees apply.
First Time Offenders may be eligible to attend a traffic safety class if you have no prior traffic offenses in the last 5 years and have not previously attended a traffic safety class. Administrative fees apply.
Driving Uninsured/Fail to Furnish Proof of Insurance offenses can be dismissed, with an administrative fee, prior to the court date if you can provide valid proof that the vehicle was insured on the date of the offense.
Court dates can be rescheduled one time for up to one month by contacting the court office prior to your court date. Court dates CANNOT be reset on the same day of court.
Please wait until the following week of the day you were cited before contacting the Court about your fine amount or eligibility of any classes.
Payments can be made with a VISA or Mastercard online or by phone (503-829-7711), by mail or in person. The secure site for online payments and further instructions is located at:
If you have set up monthly payments with the court, the online feature will also work for you. You will need your case number or citation number and last name on the citation. Payment on criminal fines cannot be made online until a payment agreement has been reached and set up by the court.
