Pleas & Fines

Plea Options

Guilty or No Contest Plea: When you enter a plea of guilty or no contest, you waive your right to trial. The violations clerk or judge will assess a fine and other court costs according to a schedule set by the presiding judge in accordance with Oregon law.

Not Guilty Plea: If you plead not guilty, the case will be set for trial when the officer and you can both be present. After you have informed the court of your not-guilty plea, you will receive notice of the trial date in the mail. At the trial you may present evidence and call witnesses.

Trial by Affidavit: If you would like to have your trial by affidavit, you must contact the court in person or by telephone so the court may update your address and mail you the paperwork. You must complete the forms and return them to the court within fourteen (14) days of the date at the top of the election form. If you choose this option, a judge will decide the case based on sworn written statements of all witnesses. It will not be necessary for you to appear in court for your trial. You will be notified of the court's decision by mail.

FAILURE TO APPEAR: If you do not appear on or before your first appearance date by telephone, mail or in person, the clerk will enter a default judgment. The entire base fine will be assessed along with an additional mandatory fee. If you fail to appear for trial after a plea of not guilty, the court will enter a default judgment and the entire base fine will be assessed.

Fines

Paying your fine: Your fine is due and payable on the date judgment is entered. If you are not able to pay the fine in full, the court can set a monthly payment schedule. The court is required to add an additional Account Administration Fee if you take longer than 30 days to pay the fine. This fee is based on the total fine amount in each case.

If you do not make your monthly payments on time, the court will notify the Department of Motor Vehicles, your driver's license will be suspended and the court will tack on a License Suspension fee. The court also may refer your account to the Department of Revenue or another collection agency for collection. You will be required to pay the cost of collections.