Courtroom Conduct & Procedures

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REMEMBER - Court staff is able to help you with your citation -prior- to your court date. Call them for assistance at (503) 537-1203

New Phone Hours beginning July 21st. 8:00am-1:00pm
Counter Hours will remain the same: 8:00am-4:30pm, closed 1-2pm for lunch.

Acceptable Conduct and Behavior
  • Be polite and courteous to the Judge, to court personnel, and to those around you.
  • Cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic devices should be turned off.
  • Children may be present in the courtroom; however, if they disturb the proceedings, you may be requested to remove them. The Court does not provide child care services.
  • No smoking, food, or drink is allowed in the courtroom.
  • Suitable attire is required. Remove hats upon entering the courtroom.
  • Prohibited items include firearms (even if you have a CHL), weapons, knives, incendiary items, pepper spray, drugs, alcohol and any item that poses a security risk or health hazard.
Court Procedures (Violations Only):You must check in with the bailiff in the courtroom. Cases are usually called on a first-come, first-served basis.
Turn off all cell phones and audible pagers. If you are wearing a hat please remove it.

If you prefer not to appear in court, you may in some cases have one of the following options:
  • You may be able to post the full amount of bail and write a letter of explanation to the Court. The judge will review your statement and make a decision.  If the citation is dismissed or if the fine is reduced, you will receive a refund.
  • You may enter a Not Guilty plea in writing and have the case set for a trial at the court clerk's counter. 
  • The Violations Bureau may be able to sign you up for a Traffic Safety Education Program. You must appear in person at the court to determine eligibility.
If you do appear in court, this will be the general procedure:
  1. If you no contest, you may give an explanation. The Judge will consider your statement and your driving record in setting a fine. You will be instructed to pay the fine out at the front counter upon leaving. If you are unable to pay today, you must sign a payment contract at the front counter prior to leaving court. No additional fee will be charged for a payment contract.
  2. If you want to contest the charge, you may enter a Not Guilty plea and the case will be set for trial. The Court will not consider your explanation today. Trials are held every Tuesday.