A mitigation hearing is a hearing for you to admit to the violation, but explain the circumstances to the judge to request a reduction of the amount of your fine.
After hearing your case the judge may (or may not) reduce the penalty.
Mitigated traffic infractions will be reported to the Department of Licensing and will appear on your driving record. You must submit your request for a mitigation hearing within fifteen (15) days of the date you receive the infraction.
You do not have to come to court to mitigate your ticket.
You also do not have to come to court to request a payment plan or to perform community service instead of paying a fine.
- If you would like either of these, include that request in the e-Mitigation form or the letter you write to the court.
Electronic Mitigation (e-Mitigation)
An e-mitigation allows to you complete an online form and email it to the court, explaining the circumstances of your violation. The judge will review the request and make a decision on your case. You will receive your response at the email address you provide on the form. To request an e-mitigation hearing, please click the button below. Complete the form, then email it to distrcitcourt-othello@co.adams.wa.us
Mitigation by Mail
You may also request a mitigation hearing by mail. If you choose this option, then within fifteen (15) days from the date you received your ticket, you must check the “Mitigation Hearing” block on your copy of the ticket, write a letter to the court explaining the circumstances of your violation, and mail your copy of the ticket and the letter to the address shown below. A judge will review the request and make a decision on your case. You will receive your response by mail at the address you provide on the ticket.
Mail the letter and your copy of the ticket to:
Adams County District Court - Othello
425 E. Main St., STE. 400
Othello, WA 99344
Mitigation Hearing at the Courthouse
To have your hearing at the courthouse in front of a judge, then within fifteen (15) days from the date that you received your citation, you must check the “Mitigation Hearing” block on the copy of your ticket and mail that copy to the address shown below. Within two weeks, you should receive a hearing notice with the date and time of your hearing. The notice will be mailed to the address you provide on your copy of the ticket. The hearing will be held at
Adams County District Court - Othello
425 E. Main St.
Othello, WA 99344