Court staff is not able to provide legal advice or recommend any attorney.

View the Municipal Court Trial Court Rules.

Phone: (800) 452-7636

Web: https://www.osbar.org/public/ris/

If you need to appear before a judge, here is what may happen in court.

Appropriate attire

To appear before the judge, you must dress appropriately. Business casual attire is recommended.

• Remove hats
• Silence cell phones

Ticket or fine

Once you’ve entered the Court -

1. The judge will enter and read the Municipal Court Rights and Procedures.
2. Individuals will then be called forward one at a time.
3. The judge will read the charge and ask how they would like to plead.
4. Proceedings are completed on a case-by-case basis.

If you miss your court date and fail to appear, you will be found guilty by default, the full fine amount on your citation will be assessed against you, and you will be notified by mail. If you are unable to pay the assessed fine, you must see a judge (for violations you can contact the Violations Bureau). Court staff will set a specific date and time for you to appear. If you have questions, you may contact the court to ask about options.

Criminal misdemeanor matter

At your first appearance before a judge, you will be advised of the charge against you and the next appearance date will be set. You will also receive information about obtaining a court-appointed attorney. If you have retained an attorney, they will appear with you.

If you were cited for a crime and do not appear as ordered, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. Your appearance date and time cannot be rescheduled. You must contact the court to clear a warrant.

You are invited to share/present evidence when attending court.

 If you believe you are required to complete applicable forms or documents or your situation, you may contact the court to discuss.

 Most court forms and documents are available online.

A Spanish interpreter is available on a regular basis. Additional interpreters can be arranged for scheduled trials. Contact the court if an interpreter is needed for your scheduled hearing/trial.

The City of Salem Municipal Court conducts jury trials.  Jury service is a civic duty of each citizen. Persons living in Salem proper that meet service qualifications can be called for jury duty. Failure to respond to the Jury Summons may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. You may be required to show cause why you should not be held in contempt of court.