You may not need to appear in court on your citation.

You have the right to go to court and plead not guilty. You also have the right to appear in court with an explanation for the Judge. However, you may be able to handle your ticket without going to court. You may call the Violations Bureau to find out how much your fine is and to find out if the Bureau can help you.  

The fine that you will be charged by the Violations Bureau has been set by the Judge. The fine may be lower than the amount shown on your citation. If you go to court and plead guilty or no contest, the fine you will receive in court will usually be the same as the fine you would have gotten through the Violations Bureau.

To contact the Violations Bureau:

• Wait at least five business days after you receive the citation
• Contact the Violations Bureau during business hours, either in person at City Hall (230 NE Second Street, McMinnville) or by calling 503-434-7402.

If you have not paid your fine through the Violations Bureau before your court date, you must appear in court.