City of Hood River

Providing Public Safety, Utilities, and Community Development

    ::    Municipal Court    ::    Accessing the Court

Important Notice: You’ve Been Issued a Traffic Citation, Now What?

 It’s of utmost importance that you fully comprehend the OPTIONS available to you for addressing your traffic citation. This understanding will empower you to make the best decision for your situation.

Or 

  • You can send your yellow copy of the citation via US mail*. Follow the instructions on the reverse side of the citation and send it by or before your court date with only the following options:

Option 1-Plea of No Contest and payment for the presumptive fine amount.

or

Option 3- Plea of Not Guilty.

  • You can send a written appearance stating your plea and any explanation to the Judge via US mail to the Hood River Municipal address listed on your copy of the citation.
  • You can plead at the Court Clerk’s desk in Municipal Court before your Court date & time and pay the presumptive fine amount on your citation if you decide not to appear in court.
  • You can call 541-386-3942 before your scheduled Court date & time to enter your plea with the Court Clerk over the phone. Note: The Court Clerk or City staff cannot take your testimony, tell you what to do, or give legal advice (ORS 9.160).

PLEA OPTIONS:

You may plead Not Guilty. If you wish to dispute the charges against you for traffic offenses and misdemeanors, a trial will be scheduled for a future date. Note: Traffic school is not an option even if you are eligible.

You may plead No Contest. Under Oregon law, a no-contest plea results in the finding of guilty by the Court. The benefit of a no-contest plea is that you do not have to admit guilt in open Court. The Judge will assess your fine or other penalty. If you are eligible, traffic school may be an option.

ARRAIGNMENT:

The Judge will read the charges against you, the maximum fines and penalties, and your rights under the law. He will ask how you wish to plead or if you are requesting a continuance to consult an attorney.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON A TRAFFIC CITATION:

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR ON A TRAFFIC CITATION, you will be found guilty by default for the total fine of your citation and a suspension of your driving privileges per ORS (809.220 (1)(b)).