I've Got a Ticket, Now What?

City of Milwaukie Oregon Official Website

Find answers to:

 

How can I take care of it now?

If you don't want to go to court and wish to pay your ticket, you can pay online or send your payment to court. By paying your fine now, you'll be pleading No Contest*. All payments must be received by the court date printed on your ticket.

  • To pay the fine right now online click here.
     
  • To mail your payment, sign the “No Contest” plea on the back of the citation and send payment to:
    Milwaukie Municipal Court
    10501 SE Main Street
    Milwaukie, OR  97222
     
  • Send a letter with payment for a potential fine reduction.
    • If you wish to send a letter of explanation to the Judge, sign the “No Contest”* plea on the back of the citation and send it with your letter and payment in the amount of the Presumptive Fine indicated for the violation.
    • Please include your current address and phone number on the letter.
    • The Judge will read your letter and review any information enclosed.
    • If the fine is reduced, a refund will be mailed to you.

*A plea of no contest under Oregon Law results in a guilty finding by the court. The benefit to the no contest plea is that you do not have to spend your time going to court. The fine that’s assessed by the Judge will depend on the explanation you provide, your driving record and the seriousness of the offense.

A plea of “no contest” will result in a conviction being entered on your driving record.

 

What if I want to reduce my fine?

Depending on the type of ticket, and your driving record for the past 5 years, you might be able to reduce your ticket. To see if you're eligible, please call the court at 503-786-7543.

Depending on the type of ticket you have, you can:

  • Send a letter with payment.
    • If you wish to send a letter of explanation to the Judge, sign the “No Contest”* plea on the back of the citation and send it with your letter and payment in the amount of the Presumptive Fine indicated for the violation.
    • Please be aware that the Judge cannot reduce the fine more than 20% below the presumptive fine on the front of your citation.
      ◦If your plea is no contest, the Judge will consider your explanation and driving record in determining your fine.
      ◦The Judge’s decision is final.
       
  • Go to your court date at the time stated on the front of your citation and explain to the judge the circumstances and hope the judge reduces your fine.
    • Please be aware that the judge cannot reduce the fine more than 20% below the presumptive fine on the front of your citation.
    • When the Judge calls your case, you will be asked to enter a plea.
    • Plea "No Contest", and the judge will consider your explanation and driving record in determining your fine.
    • The Judge’s decision is final.

 

What if I want to contest my ticket?

Plead “Not Guilty.” You DO NOT have to show up at the COURT date that is shown on your ticket. But you must send a written request for a trial, or visit the court during regular business hours and plead "Not Guilty," BEFORE the Court date to set a TRIAL date.

  • The court clerk will schedule trial dates within 90-days of the initial arraignment date.
  • If you plead not guilty, the court will not consider your explanation until the time set for your trial.
  • Please note:  No fine reductions or deferred sentencing agreements will occur at trial.
  • If you wish to request discovery, you must contact the Milwaukie Police Department. All discovery requests are handled through police records not the court.

When you appear on your TRIAL date:

  • The Officer will be required to appear at your trial.
  • The Judge will hear sworn testimony from the both you and the Officer.
  • Please be aware that no reductions or deferred sentencing agreements are given at trial.
  • The Judge will make a determination from the testimony and evidence that is presented

How do I keep this ticket off of my record?

Depending on the type of ticket, and your driving record for the past 5 years, you might be able to keep this ticket off your record. To see if you're eligible, please call the court at 503-786-7543.

If this is the first seatbelt ticket you've received, you may be eligible to take the Seatbelt Diversion Class and keep the ticket off your record.

  • The class fee is $30 paid at the time of the class and a court fee of $50 is payable when registering for the class with the court.
    • In order to enroll in the seatbelt class you must appear to the court office before your court date, pay the $50 court fee and receive information on the class.
    • You have 60 days to attend the class and return a copy of the course certificate of completion to the court.
    • Failure to attend the class or return the certificate of completion will result in the fine payable to the court and license suspension.

If you have received a citation for a Class B, C or D moving violation and do not have any convictions on your driving record for 5 years, you may be eligible for the deferred sentencing program. Please refer to the qualifications on the deferred sentencing paperwork.