How to Handle Your Traffic Citation

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PAY THE FINE -  Pay online by going to  www.citepayusa.com (please note that paying online requires a guilty plea and will result in a guilty finding) OR mail the Payment Coupon (found on the Options Page included in the citation packet) with your signed plea of Guilty or No Contest with a check, money order or cashier’s check payable to Sherwood Municipal Court for the full amount of the presumptive fine.

APPEAR before the Judge at the Arraignment Hearing. The date, time and location for your arraignment is shown on the bottom of the Summons page.  At arraignment, the Judge will remind you of the charge(s) and ask for a plea (see Plea Options below).  The Judge will then consider a fine reduction, determine eligibility for the Court’s diversion program or grant a continuance if you wish to consult an attorney.

Plea Options:

Plead NOT GUILTY if you wish to contest the charge against you and have a hearing for the traffic offense(s) with the issuing/approving officer present.

Plead GUILTY.  If you choose this option, you can offer an explanation of circumstances.  Your fine or other penalty will then be assessed by the Judge.

Plead NO CONTEST which, under Oregon Law, results in a finding of guilty by the Court.  The benefit to a No Contest plea is that you do not have to admit guilt in open court.

CONTACT Court staff before your Arraignment Hearing Date.  Call, email or come in person.  The Municipal Court counter is located at City Hall on the 2nd floor and is currently open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

SUBMIT a letter of explanation PRIOR to your scheduled arraignment date if you are unable to appear in person.  Letters can be submitted via mail (see Option 2 on the Options Page included in your citation packet), email (court@sherwoodoregon.gov) or dropped off in person at the court counter during regular business hours

PLEAD NOT GUILTY and request a Trial or Trial by Affidavit.  Not Guilty pleas can be entered by mail (see Options 3 or 4 on the Options Page), via telephone by calling the Court office at (503) 625-4225, by email (court@sherwoodoregon.gov) or by appearing in person at either your arraignment or at the court counter.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR OR RESPOND

You will be found GUILTY by default with the full fine amount on your citation due and payable immediately.  Late fees may also be assessed and your driving privileges suspended.