I received a ticket. What do I do?
If the "CRIME" box is marked on your citation (or ticket), then refer to the Criminal Cases court page. If the "VIOLATION" box is marked, then you may exercise any of the options indicated on the back of your citation. Some City Ordinances refer to infractions which term is synonymous with "violations".

Do I have to appear in court?
If you are charged with an ordinance or traffic violation, you are not required to appear in court if you enter a plea in the Court Clerks Office before the court date. Pleas entered by mail must be received prior to your scheduled court appearance. However, if the matter comes before the court the judge can order a mandatory appearance.

If I choose to have a trial, can I have a trial by jury?
All traffic violations (infraction) trials are court trials only. Six person jury trials are only available for criminal cases.

Will my traffic ticket appear on my driving record?
Parking tickets do not appear on your driving records. Other tickets may appear on your driving record if you plea or are found guilty. Check with the DMV for more information.

If I get a traffic violation will my driver license be suspended?
Your license will only be suspended by the court if you fail to appear at the required time (or fail to take care of ticket in advance by contacting the Court Clerk's office), or fail to pay your fees/fines as required, or fail to comply with any court requirements. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has rules pertaining to suspension of ODL if you get too many violations. You should check with them, if concerned about your driving record.

I received a citation. What rights do I have?
See the back of your citation (ticket) to see the different options available to you.

Are there any options for young drivers?
There is a special "Minor Diversion Program" available for drivers under the age of 18 who do not have any prior traffic citations. Completion of all requirements of this program will result in the dismissal of the citation. Some of the requirements include payment of a small diversion fee, attend a Youth Impact Panel, and attendance at a designated driver's class. Contact the Court Clerk's Office (503 557-2772) to obtain further information.

Are there any special programs available for Seat Belt violations?
If you do not have any prior seat belt violations, and have never taken a prior seat belt class, then you can attend a seat belt class and pay a fee in lieu of a citation fine. Contact the Court Clerk's Office to obtain further information (503 557-2772).

I received a ticket for driving uninsured, but I have insurance. What should I do?
Bring in proof of insurance with you to Court on your scheduled court date. Make sure that the proof of insurance shows that the insurance was in force at the time of your citation (ticket).

I received an equipment violation. What can I do?
The City of Gladstone has developed a vehicle compliance program which allows you to repair or correct your violation prior to your court date, resulting in dismissal of the violation. In order to take advantage of this program, you must meet the required guidelines. Refer to the Forms page for more information.

How do I research Ordinance Violations?
The City Ordinances are now online. You may go to http://qcode.us/codes/gladstone/

How do I research Traffic Violations?
Copies of the Oregon Revised Statutes can be found in various places such as on line, law libraries in each county, attorney's offices, city libraries, Gladstone City Hall or online at http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/home.htm