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Lake Forest Park Municipal Court Mitigation Guidelines

You may be eligible to apply for a reduction in fines (Mitigation).

Mitigation Defined: You admit to committing the violation(s) but would like to be considered for a reduction in fines. During this process you may comment on your side of the story. You understand that this citation will go on your driving record if “traffic” is checked on the front.

Mitigation Hearing in Person: The Court is in receipt of your request for a hearing to mitigate (by explaining the circumstances of) your traffic infraction. If you choose a mitigation hearing, you have admitted guilt and the charge will appear on your driving record. At a mitigation hearing, the judge can reduce the penalty based on the circumstances and your driving record.

You must appear in court on the date and time indicated on the hearing notice.

If you fail to appear for your hearing, the infraction will be found committed, a $52 default penalty will be added, and reported to the Department of Licensing. Unpaid fines may also result in referral to a collection agency and suspension of your privilege to drive.

Mitigation Hearing By Mail: Instead of appearing in court on the date and time scheduled on your hearing notice, you also have the option of a mitigation hearing by mail. If you decide to proceed with a hearing by mail, you will not be required to appear in court. Instead, you must download and complete the declaration on the second page of the Mail-in Mitigation Request Form (below) sign and mail it to the court. It must be received by the court prior to your scheduled hearing. The court will review your declaration and the police officer's sworn statement and render a decision. If the infraction is found to have been committed, a monetary penalty will be determined. The penalty will be based on the facts of the case and your driving record. You must agree to pay the court ordered penalty within the specified time ordered by the judge. You will be notified by mail of the judge's decision.

Download the Mail-in Mitigation Request Form [PDF]

Electronic (Online) Mitigation: Instead of appearing in court on the date and time scheduled on your hearing notice, you also have the option of electronic, or online, mitigation. If your violation requires physical submission of documents, i.e. proof of license, insurance, registration, tabs or handicap parking violations, you are not eligible for the electronic (online) mitigation process unless you submit the scanned documents via separate e-mail to: court @ cityoflfp.com. You must include your name, the citation number and contact information with the documents.

Go to the Online E-Mitigation Request Form

Deadline for Declaration: The court, prior to the scheduled hearing date, must receive your declaration. Declarations which are not received prior to the hearing date will not be considered. If the court does not receive your declaration by the hearing date and you also fail to appear for the hearing, a $52 default penalty will be added and reported to the Department of Licensing. Unpaid fines may also result in referral to a collection agency and suspension of your driving privilege.

Failure to Comply: Failure to pay as promised, or to meet a payment schedule worked out with the court, or to comply with terms and conditions imposed by the Court, may result in suspension of your driving privileges, referral to a collection agency and addition of further penalties and/or fees.

Go to Information about Subpoena Procedures