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Infractions & Deferred Findings
A traffic infraction is a civil (non criminal) offense that cannot be punished by a jail sentence. Primarily, there are 2 types of hearings you may request with regard to an infraction: a contested or mitigation hearing.
Contested Hearing
A contested hearing means you wish to contest (or challenge) the infraction. The judge determines by a preponderence of the evidence if there will be a "committed" or "not committed" finding to the offense. If there is a committed finding by the judge, the offense is reported to Department of Licensing. A not committed finding or dismissal is not reported.
Mitigation Hearing
A mitigation hearing is a hearing to explain circumstances and is uncontested. This type of hearing is generally requested when a person wishes to ask for a reduction in the penalty, often times based on circumstances. A committed disposition from a mitigation hearing is reported to Department of Licensing.
Deferrals
Under certain conditions the law allows for a deferred finding. A deferral of a traffic infraction is only allowed once every 7 years. The length of a deferral is generally one year during which time the following conditions must be met:
Submitting Request
By law, you must submit a request for hearing within 15 days of issuance of the infraction. Failure to appear at your hearing can result in additional penalties, referral of your infraction to a collection agency, and suspension of your driving privileges.
Contested Hearing
A contested hearing means you wish to contest (or challenge) the infraction. The judge determines by a preponderence of the evidence if there will be a "committed" or "not committed" finding to the offense. If there is a committed finding by the judge, the offense is reported to Department of Licensing. A not committed finding or dismissal is not reported.
Mitigation Hearing
A mitigation hearing is a hearing to explain circumstances and is uncontested. This type of hearing is generally requested when a person wishes to ask for a reduction in the penalty, often times based on circumstances. A committed disposition from a mitigation hearing is reported to Department of Licensing.
Deferrals
Under certain conditions the law allows for a deferred finding. A deferral of a traffic infraction is only allowed once every 7 years. The length of a deferral is generally one year during which time the following conditions must be met:
- Pay the administrative costs in full ($150) of the deferral.
- Receive no further traffic violations during your deferral period.
- In some cases the judge may require completion of a defensive driving school.
Submitting Request
By law, you must submit a request for hearing within 15 days of issuance of the infraction. Failure to appear at your hearing can result in additional penalties, referral of your infraction to a collection agency, and suspension of your driving privileges.
Contact Us
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Shelly Undlin
Court Administrator
Ph: 360-825-7771
Fax: 360-802-0107
Jaime Hughes
Court Clerk
Ph: 360-825-7771
Fax: 360-802-0107
Steve Crawford
Public Defender's Office
Ph: 360-825-1289
Krista Swain
Prosecutor's Office
Ph: 253-927-3913
Nancy Shattuck
DV Advocate
Ph: 206-946-8277
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Dynamic Collectors Inc.
790 S Market Blvd.
Chehalis, WA 98532
Ph: 800-464-3457
Renton Collections
P.O. Box 272
Renton, WA 98057
Ph: 800-655-8231