Criminal citations

You MUST appear in-person for criminal citations.

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: Request a virtual court appearance

Request a Virtual Court Appearance

Option 3: 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.

Submit letter of explanation

Option 4: 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.

Request for trial 

Set aside and seal

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:

• Instructions
• Motion to Set Aside and Declaration in Support
• Order to Set Aside

Please refer to the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 137 for additional information.

Obtain a copy of your criminal history from the Oregon State Police.