Fight Portland Camera Tickets: Your Comprehensive Guide

If you've received a camera ticket in Portland, there are several options to resolve it. You could take a traffic safety class and have your citation dismissed, pay your citation online, enter a plea of no contest and send a letter of explanation, enter a not guilty plea and request a trial, request a trial with written statements only, or submit a Certificate of Innocence if you were not the driver. It's important to note that simply pleading not guilty may not be enough to get your ticket dismissed, as the city may still try to prove it was you driving. In addition, there may be specific timelines that need to be followed for each option, so it's important to review the details of each option carefully.

Plead not guilty, saying it wasn't you driving

If you want to fight a camera ticket in Portland, you can plead not guilty by saying it wasn't you driving. However, if there is a clear picture of you driving, this defence is unlikely to work.

If you want to try this defence, you must plead not guilty before the deadline. You usually have 30 days to dispute the ticket, but this time period may be shorter. You can plead by mail or online if your jurisdiction allows it. If not, you must appear at an arraignment, first appearance, or notice hearing. When you plead not guilty, demand a full formal hearing or trial. You may also be required to attend other hearings, such as a pre-trial hearing or mediation.

While you wait for your hearing, you can research the law in your area to build a legal defence. For example, some states require clearly visible warning signs for cameras to be posted before a traffic light. If the warning signs were obscured or not present, you might not have to pay the fine.

You can also request the production of documents. Call the local police department or other law enforcement agency in charge of the camera used to issue your citation and request copies of the photos if they were not included with your citation. You can also request full maintenance records for the camera and the traffic light or speed monitoring system to establish that they were regularly monitored and maintained. If their accuracy wasn't tested within a short period before your ticket was issued, the photo may be unreliable as evidence.

In some jurisdictions, a red light camera photo is considered hearsay. Hearsay is an out-of-court statement presented in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In this case, the photo is an out-of-court statement that the prosecution is attempting to use to prove you violated the traffic law. Hearsay evidence is generally inadmissible unless it fits into one of the exceptions. However, there may be dozens of hearsay exceptions.

You also have the right to confront witnesses. Unless a witness appears who maintains the record and system associated with the camera, you do not have this opportunity. If no one from the company that maintains the camera shows up to testify, you can object to the use of the photographs for lack of foundation.

Take a class to dismiss the citation

If you want to take a class to dismiss your citation, you must sign up as soon as possible as classes fill up quickly and you will not be granted an extension if classes are full. You are eligible to take a class if:

• You have not received a speeding ticket or any Failure to Obey a Traffic-Controlled Device citation during the last three years. Out-of-state citations apply.
• You are a licensed driver, with a legal driver's license.
• The citation was issued and spelled correctly with your first and last name as it appears on your driver's license.
• You take this class at least 14 days before your court date.
• You have a working webcam on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
• You have an email address to receive notifications and class invite links.

The online class is available in Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you want to take the class in one of these languages, call Paradigm (971-701-0331) or message them after you register.

If you received a citation with a $170 fine, the class will cost $125. If you received a citation with a $270 fine, the class will cost $225. If you are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or OHP (Oregon Health Plan), you may be eligible for a class discount during registration.

Pay a reduced fine

If you want to pay a reduced fine for a camera ticket in Portland, you can take a traffic safety class. This will allow you to have your citation dismissed. The class is provided by Paradigm Driving Solutions/Oregon Driver Education Center (ODEC). You are eligible for this option if:

• You have not received a speeding ticket or any Failure to Obey a Traffic Controlled Device citation in the last three years. Out-of-state citations apply.
• You are a licensed driver with a legal driver's license.
• The citation was issued and spelled correctly with your first and last name as it appears on your driver's license.
• You take this class at least 14 days before your court date.
• You have a working webcam on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
• You have an email address to receive notifications and class invite links.

The class costs vary depending on the fine of your citation. If you received a citation with a $170 fine, the class will cost $125. If your citation fine is $270, the class will cost $225. If you are eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or OHP (Oregon Health Plan), you may be eligible for a class discount during registration.

Plead no contest and explain

If you want to fight a camera ticket in Portland, you can enter a plea of no contest and send a letter of explanation (written appearance). This option waives your right to a trial and you must provide a written statement explaining the circumstances of the violation(s) charged. The court may consider your written statement when determining the fine amount.

To do this, you must sign and date OPTION 2 on your citation and either mail or bring it to the Multnomah County Circuit Court, P.O. Box 114, Portland, OR 97207 BEFORE the day and time your citation requires you to appear in court. You must also pay the full amount of the fine listed on your citation.

If you are unable to attend court, you can request a trial with written statements only (no court appearance or testimony). Contact the court before the day and time that your citation requires you to appear to determine if you qualify for this option.

Plead not guilty and request a trial

If you want to fight a camera ticket in Portland, you can plead not guilty and request a trial. Here's what you need to know:

Understanding Your Options:

Firstly, it's important to understand the options available to you when resolving a citation from a speed safety camera in Portland. There are typically six options, including paying a fee to take a class and dismiss the citation, paying your citation online, or entering a plea of no contest with a written explanation. Requesting a trial by pleading not guilty is one of these key options.

Pleading Not Guilty:

To plead not guilty and request a trial, you must take action before the day and time specified on your citation. You can do this by going to the court in person or submitting your not guilty plea online. This option allows you to dispute the charges and present your case before a judge.

Preparing for Your Trial:

When you plead not guilty, it's important to understand the evidence against you and build your defence. In the case of camera tickets, the prosecution will likely rely on photographs or videos captured by the camera. You may request this evidence in advance to examine it and identify any potential issues, such as unclear images or incorrect identification.

Building Your Defence:

There are several potential defences you can use when fighting a camera ticket. One common strategy is to challenge the accuracy of the camera or the calibration of the speed measurement device. You can argue that the equipment was faulty or improperly maintained, raising reasonable doubt about the accuracy of the citation. Another defence is to assert that you were not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the infraction. However, be cautious with this approach, as providing false information can lead to additional legal consequences.

Presenting Your Case:

During the trial, you will have the opportunity to present your defence and challenge the prosecution's evidence. It is essential to remain respectful and focused on the facts of the case. You can explain the circumstances surrounding the citation, highlight any inconsistencies, and provide supporting documentation or witness testimonies if available.

Understanding the Outcome:

After presenting your case, the judge will consider the evidence and deliver a verdict. If found not guilty, the charges will be dismissed, and you will not be responsible for paying the fine. However, if found guilty, you may be required to pay the original fine or even face additional penalties.

Remember, it is your right to plead not guilty and request a trial when fighting a camera ticket in Portland. By understanding the process, preparing your defence, and effectively presenting your case, you can ensure that your rights are protected, and the outcome is fair and just.

Frequently asked questions