How To Read Your Citation
Please note that it is important to read and understand the information on your ticket (citation).
The front of your citation tells you:
- that you have been cited for a violation,
- what court you are to appear at (Central Lane Justice Court is at 220 5th Street, Springfield OR 97477). If the box is checked for one of the following courts: Florence Justice Court, Upper Willamette Justice Court in Oakridge, Lane County Circuit Court, Eugene Municipal Court, or Springfield Municipal Court, this is not the correct court. Springfield Municipal Court is located one block away on 4th Street between A & B. The outside of the building says Springfield Justice Center. The court is located on the second floor. The street address is 230 4th Street, Springfield OR 97477. Eugene Municipal Court is located at 777 Pearl Street in Eugene OR 97401. Lane County Circuit Court is located at 125 East 8th Avenue in Eugene OR 97401.
- the date and time of the citation - this is the time that you were stopped,
- what state statute or Lane County code you may have allegedly violated,
- the Base Fine amount. This fine could actually go higher or lower depending on individual circumstances. There are some fines that cannot be lowered, or have minimums and maximums, according to State Statutes, like those committed in a Highway Work Zone, School Zone, or Possession of Less Than an Ounce of Marijuana. Some also include additional penalties, such as mandatory license suspensions. (Speeds over 90 or 100 mph, Possession of Less Than an Ounce of Marijuana, and Minor In Possession of Alcohol are examples of mandatory suspensions).
- the name and number of the officer who stopped you, and gives
- your court appearance date, time and location.
The back of your citation tells you:
- what your options are if you have been cited for a violation,
- that you should include your base fine with a copy of your citation* and explanation when mailing in your plea, or be prepared to pay at the court during your arraignment,
- that the court may require you to appear for a hearing.
*This is strongly preferred. If you are unable to send in the entire amount, send in as much as you can. If you have no money available, contact the court in person, by fax or postal mail requesting a payment agreement. Your Social Security Number is required for a payment agreement.
Court staff are not allowed to give any legal advice, which includes interpretation of the laws, or how you should plead.
