You do not need to hire an attorney to complete this process; however, an attorney should be consulted for any legal advice and to assist in individual situations. Court clerks cannot give you legal advice. This packet is meant to instruct you on the set aside procedure, not to advise you on Oregon law.
Forms:
Please refer to the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 137 for additional information.
Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the Oregon State Police.
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Tuesday/Thursday Arraignments and Open Court
Minor Traffic Violations
8:30am
You have four options for traffic citations.
Open Court
9am
Call 541-917-7740 upon arrival to be added to the Open Court docket.
Jurors
You will be notified by mail 5-7 days in advance of the trial with the date and time to appear. Call 541-917-7749 after 5:00 p.m. the night before the date noted to see if you still need to appear for the trial.
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Automated Speed / Red Light Enforcement:
I was issued a citation but someone else was driving my car
If you are issued a citation for a violation in which you were not the driver, you can submit a form declaring that you were not the driver, along with a copy of your driver's license. For individuals this is called a Certificate of Innocence. For businesses this is called a Certificate of Non-Liability. Falsifying these forms may result in additional charges being filed against you.
Certificate of Innocence/Non-Liability Form
Other Traffic Citations:
Option 1: Enter a plea of no contest and pay the presumptive fine
Enter a plea of no contest and pay the court the amount of the presumptive fine written on the front of your 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 submit a letter of explanation
Enter a plea of no contest and submit a letter of explanation. You must do all of the following before the day and time your 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.
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. 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
Enter a plea of not guilty and request a trial by submitting a written request for a trial before the day and time your 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.
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. 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.
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