Traffic Violations
The Justice Court hears traffic violation cases (traffic tickets). If you have received a traffic ticket, you will need to decide how to plead in a process called arraignment.
Most defendants exercise one of two options: pleading not guilty, or pleading no contest.
Pleading "not guilty" indicates that you wish to have a trial. If you plead "not guilty," then the court will set a trial in approximately seven weeks.
On the other hand, pleading "no contest" is very similar to entering a plea of "guilty." If you plead "no contest" you are not admitting guilt in open court, but the court will enter a finding of "guilty" on your case. The court would then proceed to enter a sentence, which is usually a fine in traffic violations cases.
There are many ways to enter a plea.
If you just want to pay the ticket, you may plead "no contest" online, and you may pay online.
Pay Your Citation
- At any time before the court date printed on your ticket, you may call the clerks at (503) 576-7200 to enter a plea by phone.
At any time before the court date printed on your ticket, you may come to the Justice Court building to talk with a clerk to enter a plea.
You can appear in person on the date shown on your traffic ticket to tell the judge your plea in person.
As you contemplate your plea, you may be interested to know about Justice Court's diversion program. Under that program, some drivers with good driving records and who are charged with a class B, C, or D violation are permitted to enroll in traffic school. People who enter the diversion program must plead no contest, pay the presumptive fine, complete traffic school, and maintain a clean driving record for six months. Upon successful completion of the diversion program, violation is dismissed and the conviction does not appear on the driver's record.
Learn about our Diversion program for certain traffic citations
If you have an account in collections, please call Professional Credit Services at (877) 411-8254.
If your account is not yet in collections, and if something changes in your life that drastically changes your ability to pay (loss of job; death of spouse, etc.) you may contact the court to enter a payment plan or modify your payment plan.
