ARRAIGNMENTS/TRIALS

What is an "arraignment," and what can I expect will happen? 

An arraignment consists of you entering your plea with the court.  These may be done in person or in writing (but not by email or phone).  The Judge will set a fine on the charges where you have entered either a Guilty or No Contest plea.  Not Guilty pleas are set for trial where you and the officer will be present.

A court appearance date is set at the time you received your citation.  On the citation, you will find a date and time that you need to appear at court.  Arraignments are split between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week.  Arraignments start at 8:30, but you should check in at the front counter prior to that time.  Central Lane Justice Court is open from 8:00-4:00, Monday through Friday.

There are "appearance" options.  You do not need to speak directly with the Judge unless your citation indicates a mandatory appearance.  You do need to take care of your citation in a timely way, or you will be found Guilty by Default with additional fees and charges added.

You may generally come to the court during open hours prior to the appearance date on your citation, and speak with the cashiers.  Please allow about two weeks after you received the citation for the information to be entered on computer and sent to the court.  It would be a good idea to phone prior to coming to ensure that we have your citation.  The cashiers will take your plea, tell you if you qualify for a Violations Bureau reduction, and assist you by processing and recording your payments. 

Payment plans are available if you are paying on the full amount, or you may see the Judge at arraignment or write a letter requesting a reduction and a payment plan.  Please see the payment section for additional information.  Your Social Security number will be required. 

You may write a letter to the Judge and mail it to the court, fax it to the court, drop it off with the cashiers, or place it in the drop box to the right of the door after hours.

You may come to court on your arraignment date and speak with the Judge.

Arraignments:  If you wish to speak with a judge regarding your case, open arraignments are held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Check-in time is between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m . Court begins at 8:30 a.m.

If you missed your court arraignment date or are unable to appear in court on the date written on the bottom left hand corner of your ticket, you have an automatic 2 week extension from that date (**see exception below) and may appear at any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning court during those two weeks. If your citation has not been cleared by the end of the extended grace period you will be found guilty by default, your license may be immediately suspended, and additional fees will be added.

 **Exception:  Depending on the charge and the Oregon Revised Statutes, you may be giving up an opportunity for dismissal.  The charges of Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance and Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance at the time you were cited are eligible for dismissal if proof is shown prior to arraignment.  There is no grace period for a dismissal on a Failure to Carry or Present Insurance charge.  The statute states that proof must be shown prior to arraignment.

Trials:   Trials and arraignments are two different things.  The Judge is not allowed to hear testimony on a case scheduled for trial without both sides being present. 

There is no grace period for a trial.  If you miss a scheduled trial, you will be found guilty by default, your license may be immediately suspended, and additional fees will be added.  If there are extenuating circumstances that arise prior to the scheduled trial date, please contact the court immediately in person or by written material.  It is possible that a one-time postponement might be granted, but is at the Judge's discretion.

Important: You CANNOT file paperwork or make pleas by emailing to the webmaster or justice courts, and these types of contacts DO NOT constitute an appearance by a defendant OR a written explanation. You must contact the specific court in writing through standard mail, or appear in court.

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