Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  Is there a warrant out for my arrest?

It's possible, but unlikely that it stems from this court.  Central Lane Justice Court handles violations and a few limited Misdemeanors filed as violations.  Give the court a call and they will tell you if you have a warrant with our court.

2.  What is the difference between a Guilty and No Contest plea?

Not a lot.  Both will show as a conviction on your record.  No Contest means that you are not challenging the charge, and that it could likely be proved.  Guilty means you are admitting to the offense listed on the citation.  No Contest is often used when there is a Civil charge pending.

3.  Will this conviction have an impact on my insurance rates?   

The court reports convictions to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not individual insurance agencies.  However, insurance agents may contact the DMV to check on their client records.  It would be best to speak with your insurance agent and have them answer this question.

4.  Can Traffic School be taken to keep the conviction off my driving record? 

No.  There is no provision in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) that would allow this.  At times, the Judge may assign attendance at Traffic School as an additional requirement.  If this occurs, the attendance is mandatory.  In addition, Traffic School attendance may help with your insurance rates, and can be taken voluntarily.  The court may suggest some available local courses.  Please check with your individual insurance agent. 

5.  Can the Judge lower the fines more than the Clerk at the counter?

The Judge has discretion to lower the fines only by a maximum of 25%. She may or may not lower the fine more than the Violations Bureau amount.

There are some charges that have a minimum fine and a maximum fine (e.g., Possession of Less Than an Ounce of Marijuana has a minimum mandatory fine of $648 and a maximum of $1,148 plus a license suspension).  There are charges where fines cannot be lowered at all (e.g., School Zone, Highway Work Zone, Safety Corridor) and have been increased to double the "fine" portion as statute allows.

6.  What is a Violations Bureau reduction?

The ORS allows the Judge to set a Violations Bureau where some charges are eligible for reduced amounts without having to see the Judge.  There are criteria that must be met, and the reduced amount must be paid in full at the time it is requested.  No payment arrangements are made on Violations Bureau amounts.  If you are paying in person, the clerk will let you know if you qualify for the Violations Bureau.  If you are unable to pay the reduced amount in full, you may request a payment agreement on the base fine amount.

7.  Can payments be made over the phone?

Credit card payments are accepted over the phone IF you have already entered a plea (in person or in writing) AND the Judge has entered a fine on your charges.  You will need to speak with a clerk in order to make the payment; no automated credit card payment system is available at this time.

8.  Can payments be made on-line?

Not yet, but hopefully in the near future.

9.  Who do I write the check to?

Checks should be made payable to Central Lane Justice Court or CLJC.

10.  Where is the Municipal Court?

The Municipal Courts, Circuit Court and the Justice Court are not the same.  Springfield Municipal Court is 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.  Circuit Court is located at 125 East 8th Avenue in Eugene OR 97401.

11.   My payment is a couple of days late.  What do I do?

Beginning in April, 2009 your license may be immediately suspended and additional fees added to your case if you are even one day late on a payment.  Contact the court prior to your payment date in person, by fax, or by postal mail.  If you need a different payment plan, it must be requested in person or in writing (by fax or US mail), and not by phone.  Also beginning in April 2009, a payment agreement requires that you give us your Social Security number.  You may also make a request at the cashier counter. 

12.   How do I clear something up from long ago?

Contact the court.  Find out if your cases have been turned over to Collections.  See what options are available to you.   

13.  I missed my arraignment date.  What do I do now?

Click on the link for Arraignment Information to see the details.  Contact the court when you find your options.  Don't let the date for the grace period slip by.  There are no automatic continuances or grace period for a Trial.

14.  I want a Trial, but I live far away.  What are my options?

If you cannot attend in person, contact the court about a Trial by Affidavit packet.  This is a sworn statement that you will be signing before a Notary and returning to the court.  Make your explanation as detailed and complete as possible, as the paper document will be appearing at Trial instead of you.  Questions can be asked of an individual, but not a piece of paper.

15.  Why was my license resuspended?

You owe the court money, and it must be paid.  Justice Court judgments are good for a period of twenty years.  As long as you owe money within the period of twenty years, expect the court to be active in collecting. Suspensions are valid for 10 years and may be renewed.

16.  Are there court appointed attorneys?

This court handles Violations and Misdemeanors filed as Violations.  These are not "jailable" offenses, and no court appointed attorneys are available.

17.  I got a Fix-It ticket, and have made the repair.  Will this ticket show as a conviction on my record?  How do I get the fine reduced?

Yes, it will.  If you were granted a Fix-It option by the officer who cited you, you will need to repair the problem and either come to the court with proof, or submit written documentation by letter or fax.  You will be entering either a Guilty or No Contest plea, and the conviction will be sent to the DMV and added to your record. 

A reduced fine amount is available on the Fix-It ticket option.  When appropriate proof has been shown, the Judge will enter a fine of $35 court costs. 

Not all officers give Fix-It tickets, and acceptable proof might be a paid invoice from a vehicle repair shop that shows what was fixed, the date it was fixed and paid, and the license plate and model of car.  If it was something that you fixed on your own, clear before and after photos may be shown as proof, along with a receipt for the parts that were required.  Please include a photo of the car with your license plate showing to identify that it is the vehicle that was cited.

If you are faxing photos as proof, please ensure that they are light enough and clear enough to fax well.

18.  I cannot pay my ticket in full.  What shall I do?

The Court's policy is that your fine is due in full at time of plea or judgement. Contact the court in person or in writing.  Payment plans are given at the counter or by mail for those paying the base fine.  Your Social Security Number is required to receive a payment plan. Under some circumstances the court may extend payments beyond 60 days.  This is normally when the amount of the fine is greater than $500.

If you are requesting a reduction, you will either need to see the Judge at open arraignment, or you may submit a letter in writing to her.  She will act on your written correspondence, just as she would have if you had appeared in person at court. 

19.  The court has suspended my license.  I can't pay the full balance, but I need to drive to get to work.  What can I do?

If you are able to pay one-third of the total amount due in one lump sum and put the rest on a payment plan, your suspension hold will be lifted.  You will need to stick with your payment plan or you will be immediately resuspended.  Additional fees and charges will be added, and your cases may be sent on to Collections.

The court normally mails the clearances to the DMV.  If you are in a hurry, come to the court to pick up your clearance and take it to the DMV. 

You will need to pay a reinstatement fee at the DMV, which is currently $75.  The Oregon DMV has reciprocity agreements with other states, Canadian provinces, and some other countries.  If you have a license from another state or country, and it is suspended in Oregon, it is likely to be suspended in your home region, as well.  You will need to contact the Oregon DMV to pay the reinstatement fee prior to being granted a new license in your own home region.

You may contact the Oregon DMV in Salem at 503-945-7981, or on their website at:  http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/index.shtml

20.  I am not able to appear at my trial and would like a continuance.  How do I request one?

Please request your continuance more than seven days in advance of your trial date.  You may appear at court in person, or send written correspondence by mail or fax requesting an extension.  Include as much detail as possible as to why you need a continuance.  The Judge will usually grant one continuance, but it is at her discretion.

If you have an emergency that precludes you filing the continuance request less than seven days in advance of the trial date, submit your request by written documentation or appear at court in person with as much advance time as possible. (including a fax 744-1190)

If you wait until the last minute, your request may be denied.

21.  I got a Driving Uninsured ticket, but I was really covered.  I just couldn't find the proof while the Officer was waiting.  What do I need to bring in to have the ticket dismissed?

The preferred proof is a Letter of Experience from the insurance underwriter on their letterhead.  If that is not available, a letter on the insurance agent letterhead stating that they would have covered you had you been in an accident at the date and time, and in the vehicle you were driving when you were stopped is usually considered adequate proof.  An insurance card that shows your name, the vehicle, and dates of coverage may be accepted.

The Letter of Experience or letter from your insurance agent must include the following information as shown on your citation:  Defendant information, Vehicle information, Coverage on the date and at the time of the citation.  It should also have your full name and docket number included in the letter, and if appropriate may state that you have had continuous coverage and include the dates. 

On a Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance, you must have your insurance documentation submitted to the court by the arraignment time or it will not be accepted as proof.  If you are found Guilty on the Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance, you will not be allowed any opportunities to reopen.

A Driving Uninsured conviction carries an additional penalty.  You will be required to file an SR-22 form with the State for three years, showing that you have insurance coverage.  You may enter a Not Guilty plea at the court in person or by written document prior to two weeks past the arraignment date on the bottom of your citation.  You will be granted a two week grace period to obtain the Letter of Experience or other valid proof.  If you have any uncertainty about the date, contact the court.  You will not wish to be found Guilty by Default with additional fines and charges added and your license suspended.

Due to the SR-22 form, the Judge will allow a reopen within one year of the date of the conviction on the Driving Uninsured charge if you can prove you have a valid proof of insurance coverage.  There is a non-refundable fee that must be paid ($30 minimum or $45 if your license has been suspended) and you will need to contact the court in person, or submit written documentation.  

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or obtaining a Letter of Experience, please contact your insurance agent.

22.  Do I actually have to come to court for arraignment?  Can I take care of this some other way?

For most charges you are not required to come to court if you choose to take care of your charges by mail or by fax.  If your citation says MUST APPEAR, then you must come to the court in person.

Payment must be received by mail or in person.  Credit card by phone payments are taken during open court hours.  Credit card payments by phone are only taken on adjudicated cases (if a plea has been entered and a judgment assigned).  You will need to phone the court to speak to a clerk. 

23.  What happens if I do nothing about the citation I have received? 

This is not an option you want to consider, as additional fines and fees are added.  Your license may be suspended.  Your vehicle could be booted, towed and impounded.   Your case will be sent to a Collection agency. 

Contact the court either in person or in writing even if you can't pay for the fine.  You should at least enter your plea and request a payment agreement so that no additional fees are added. 

24.  What happens to my fine money?

Fines are set by statute (ORS).  The money is distributed per statute, and there is a hierarchy of distribution. 

25.  What if my question doesn't appear on this list?

Contact the court in person during open hours (8-4 M-F) ,by phone (541-682-2095), by fax (541-744-1190) or by postal mail to:  Central Lane Justice Court, 220 5th Street, Springfield OR 97477.  We'll be happy to hear your question and find resolution for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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