Frequently Asked Questions

You can request a hearing by filling out the online Request for Hearing form.

Once your hearing is scheduled, you can take part by coming in person to City Hall on your scheduled date, or

You may also choose a second option:

• Determination on Written Statement (also called an eHearing). In this option, the Hearing Examiner reviews your written statement, the officer’s report, and any evidence you submit. You don’t need to appear at all. There is no right to appeal a Determination on Written Statement. If you choose this option don’t forget to file the statement you’d like the Hearing Examiner to consider. You can do that with our form linked here. 

What happens after your request:

• We will schedule your hearing within 21 days of your request.
• You will get at least two weeks’ notice of your hearing date, time, and how to appear.
• If you choose a Determination on Written Statement (eHearing), you will not receive a hearing date. Instead, the Hearing Examiner’s ruling will be mailed to you once it is made. 

If you miss your scheduled hearing, a default ruling will be entered, and extra fees will be added.

We will schedule your hearing within 21 days of getting your request. You will get a notice by mail (and by email if available) with your hearing date, time, and how to attend.

You will always have at least two weeks’ notice before your hearing date.

Yes. You can choose to have your case decided based only on what you and the officer submit in writing. This is sometimes called an “eHearing” or a “Determination on Written Statement.”

Here’s how it works:

• Fill out the Request for Written Determination online.
• The Hearing Examiner will review your written statement, the officer’s report, and any evidence you send in.
• The ruling will be mailed to you once it is made.

Please note: under Washington Court Rule IRLJ 5.1, there is no right to appeal a case decided this way.

Yes. If you cannot make the date listed on your notice, contact us as soon as possible by emailing court@mukilteowa.gov. You must ask before the hearing, not after.

Our clerks may approve one change of date. Any additional requests will be reviewed by the Hearing Examiner and are only granted in limited situations. Please make every effort to attend the new date.

• Mitigation hearing: You admit you committed the infraction but want a hearing to explain the circumstances. The Hearing Examiner may reduce the penalty. In mitigation hearings you cannot subpoena witnesses and will be found to have committed the infraction.
• Contested hearing: You deny committing the infraction and want to contest it. The City must prove the violation by a preponderance of the evidence. You may subpoena witnesses, including the officer. 

• Determination on Written Statement: (Mitigation or Contested): You waive your appearance in a Hearing and submit a written declaration. The Hearing Examiner decides the infraction based on written materials including the officer’s sworn statement, your declaration and any submitted evidence before issuing a decision. You will indicate whether you are contesting the infraction or requesting mitigation—not both. The Hearing Examiner’s decision will be mailed to you and there is no right to appeal. 

No. Deferred findings do not apply to traffic safety camera tickets.

Here’s why:

• Camera tickets are treated as civil fines, not moving violations.
• They are not reported to your insurance and do not appear on your driving record.
• Because they are not “reportable” violations, Washington’s Deferral law does not apply.