Municipal Court - Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a variety of frequently asked questions regarding the Stayton Municipal Court. If your question isn't answered below, please call the Court at (503) 769-2668 or email at municipalcourt@staytonoregon.gov.
court building

  • You must decide if you want to:

    1. Pay the fine
    2. Request a trial
    3. Speak with the Judge

    This will determine how you will plead.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • You can plead in the following ways:

    1. By emailing us at: municipalcourt@staytonoregon.gov
    2. Mailing the citation and payment to: 362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton, Oregon 97383
    3. Appear in court to speak to the Judge on your arraignment date.

    Below is an explanation of what each plea means:

    • Guilty: You want to admit you did the "crime." The conviction may be entered on your driving record. 
    • No-Contest: You are accepting the conviction but avoid the factual admission of guilt. This option gives you an opportunity to explain to the Judge. The conviction may be entered on your driving record. 
    • Not-Guilty: You want to have a trial by affidavit (in writing) or an in-person trial with the Police Officer present, to plead your case. A trial is generally scheduled within two (2) months. You will be notified by mail regarding your trial date. 

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • Reductions to traffic fines are based upon your driving history. Oregon driving history is available to court staff. Defendants with out-of-state driver's licenses must submit a paper copy of their driver history before their appearance date if they are asking the Court to consider a reduction in a traffic fine.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • The option of completing a defensive or distracted driving course to reduce or avoid a fine is only offered by the Judge.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

    1. Pay over the phone with a credit/debit card by calling the Municipal Court Clerk at (503) 769-2668
    2. Pay in-person at the Courthouse (Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or at City Hall (362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton) all other weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    3. Mail payment to: Stayton Municipal Court, 362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton, Oregon 97383

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • In order to set up a payment plan, you must do the following:

    1. You must send in a plea via email or mail (362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton, Oregon 97383).
    2. Once you submit your plea, call the Municipal Court Clerk at (503) 769-2668 to set-up a payment plan. The Court Clerk may give you a payment plan up to four (4) payments.
    3. If you need more time to pay your fine, you will have to speak to the Judge in court, or send a letter via email or regular mail to the Stayton Municipal Court (362 N. Third Avenue, Stayton, Oregon 97383). 

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • If you are unable to attend your court date or miss your court date, you will need to contact the Municipal Court Clerk at (503) 769-2668 and they may be able to reschedule your appearance. If you do not correspond with the Court within seven (7) working days, you may receive a Notice of Conviction, a Fail to Appear charge, or a license suspension.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • If your fine has been turned over to collections, here are steps for you to take:

    1. You may call the Court's collection company, The Western Agency at (503) 496-0732.
    2. Once notified the fine is paid in full, the Court will lift the license suspension by sending a copy of the license reinstatement to the DMV. A copy of the reinstatement will also be sent to you.

     

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • Following is what will happen when you request a trial:

    1. You will be assigned a trial date and be notified by mail.
    2. There is a $40 fee for the trial.
    3. If you choose to, you may hire an attorney.
    4. On the date of your trial, you should bring any witnesses or evidence to Court.
    5. The Police Officer will be present at your trial.
    6. The Judge may render a decision the day of the trail or may need additional time to render a final decision. You will be notified via mail if the decision is not made the day of the trial.
    7. On the day of the trial, you should be prepared to pay any fines set forth by the Judge.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • The Oregon DMV revokes driving privileges for many reasons and has additional requirements for getting your license reinstated. You can check the DMV's website to see the process.

    The Stayton Municipal Court does not issue a hardship license; you must contact the DMV to discuss this.

    Additionally, if your license is suspended by other courts, you will need to contact them separately. Resolving a suspension with the Stayton Municipal Court does not resolve suspensions with other courts.

    Lifetime revocations cannot be reinstated by the Stayton Municipal Court. If you have a lifetime revocation, you may need to contact an attorney, the Oregon DMV, or the Marion County Circuit Court for more information.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion

  • 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.

Press the enter key or spacebar to expand or collapse the accordion