Municipal Court

The Stayton Municipal Court was established in 2014 by City Charter. The mission of the Stayton Municipal Court is to provide access to a fair and equitable justice system that protects the rights of individuals, preserves the welfare of the community, and inspires public confidence. 
court building

Stayton's Municipal Court holds court on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. at the Courthouse, located at 260 N. Second Avenue in Stayton. Our presiding judge is the Honorable Judge Jonathan Clark. Starting in July 2025, Court will be held on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays. Please note that this change does not take effect until July.

The Court has jurisdiction over all City and State law offenses, excluding felony matters and some misdemeanors. The Court has original jurisdiction over all offenses that Ordinances of the City make punishable. The Court may enforce penalties the Ordinances prescribe for the offenses. The territorial jurisdiction of the Court is the area within the City limits. The Stayton Municipal Court conforms to the general laws of the State of Oregon governing Municipal Courts.

The Stayton Municipal Court may:

  • Render judgements and impose judgements and impose sanctions on persons and property;
  • Order the arrest of anyone accused of an offense against the City;
  • Commit to jail or admit to bail anyone accused of such an offense;
  • Issue and compel obedience to subpoenas;
  • Compel witnesses to appear and testify and jurors to service for trials before the Court;
  • Penalize contempt of court;
  • Issue process necessary to enforce judgements and order of the Court, including injunction relief;
  • Issue search warrants; and
  • Perform other judicial and quasi-judicial functions prescribed by City ordinance.

  • Traffic Court is held Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. Information regarding your appearance will be mailed to you prior to your court date. If you do not appear, you must contact the Court within seven (7) days. If you do not contact the Court within seven (7) days, there will be a default judgement entered against you for the entire amount of your fine. You may contact the Court in-person at the Courthouse on Wednesday afternoons, or at City Hall (362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton), every business day. Additionally, you may send an email to municipalcourt@staytonoregon.gov, call the Court at (503) 769-2668, or mail a letter the Stayton Municipal Court (362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton, Oregon 97383).

    Misdemeanor hearings and other trials are held once a month on Wednesdays. If you choose to have a trial, you will be notified by mail of your trial date.

    Starting in July 2025, Court will be held on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays. Please note that this change does not take effect until July.

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  • Pursuant to ORS 153.080, the Stayton Municipal Court will allow trial by affidavit under the following conditions:

    • Trial by Affidavit is available for traffic violations only.
    •  The waiver and affidavit must be received before the summons date on the citation.

    You can download the Trial by Affidavit form below:

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    • Be respectful to all people.
    • Proper attire is expected at court. Shoes must be worn and no tank tops or bathing suits.
    • No hats or head coverings unless worn for religious or medical purposes.
    • Turn off cell phones and recording devices. Please keep noise to a minimum.
    • No food, gum, drinks, smoking, tobacco products, or controlled substances.
    • No large bags or backpacks.
    • No animals unless certified service animals that are leashed and under control.
    • No weapons, explosives, or other hazardous/flammable liquids or chemicals (ORS 166.370).
    • All who enter the Courthouse may be subject to security screening and search.

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  • An interpreter will be provided if you contact the Municipal Court Clerk at least one month before your appearance. Other accommodations may be provided if notified at least one month prior to your appearance. 

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  • The 2024-25 fiscal year court fees are as follows:

    2024-25 Court Fees
    Payment Agreement Fee $30.00
    License Reinstatement Fee $30.00
    Failure to Appear for Arraignment $25.00
    Failure to Appear for Trial $100.00
    Trial Fee $40.00
    Warrant Fee $55.00
    Appeal Filing $55.00
    Collection Fee 25% of Assessed Fine

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  • For more information about Oregon Municipal Courts, see the Municipal Handbook created by the League of Oregon Cities.

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  • The information on this webpage is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, there is no guarantee as to the accuracy. No court staff will provide legal advice. Please contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any specific legal matter.

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