Oregon Statutes - Chapter 33 - Special Proceedings and Procedures - Section 33.055 - Procedure for imposition of remedial sanctions.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in ORS 161.685, proceedings to impose remedial sanctions for contempt shall be conducted as provided in this section.

(2) The following persons may initiate the proceeding or, with leave of the court, participate in the proceeding, by filing a motion requesting that defendant be ordered to appear:

(a) A party aggrieved by an alleged contempt of court.

(b) A district attorney.

(c) A city attorney.

(d) The Attorney General.

(e) Any other person specifically authorized by statute to seek imposition of sanctions for contempt.

(3) A motion to initiate a proceeding under this section shall be filed in the proceeding to which the contempt is related, if there is a related proceeding.

(4) The person initiating a proceeding under this section shall file supporting documentation or affidavits sufficient to give defendant notice of the specific acts alleged to constitute contempt.

(5)(a) The court may issue an order directing the defendant to appear. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the defendant shall be personally served with the order to appear in the manner provided in ORCP 7 and 9. The court may order service by a method other than personal service or issue an arrest warrant if, based upon motion and supporting affidavit, the court finds that the defendant cannot be personally served.

(b) The defendant shall be served by substituted service if personal service is waived under ORS 107.835. If personal service is waived under ORS 107.835, the defendant shall be served by the method specified in the waiver.

(6) The court may impose a remedial sanction only after affording the defendant opportunity for a hearing tried to the court. The defendant may waive the opportunity for a hearing by stipulated order filed with the court.

(7) A defendant has no right to a jury trial and, except as provided in this section, has only those rights accorded to a defendant in a civil action.

(8) A defendant is entitled to be represented by counsel. A court shall not impose on a defendant a remedial sanction of confinement unless, before the hearing is held, the defendant is:

(a) Informed that such sanction may be imposed; and

(b) Afforded the same right to appointed counsel required in proceedings for the imposition of an equivalent punitive sanction of confinement.

(9) If the defendant is not represented by counsel when coming before the court, the court shall inform the defendant of the right to counsel, and of the right to appointed counsel if the defendant is entitled to, and financially eligible for, appointed counsel under subsection (8) of this section.

(10) Inability to comply with an order of the court is an affirmative defense.

(11) In any proceeding for imposition of a remedial sanction other than confinement, proof of contempt shall be by clear and convincing evidence. In any proceeding for imposition of a remedial sanction of confinement, proof of contempt shall be beyond a reasonable doubt.

(12) Proceedings under this section are subject to rules adopted under ORS 33.145. Proceedings under this section are not subject to the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure except as provided in subsection (5) of this section or as may be provided in rules adopted under ORS 33.145. [1991 c.724 §5; 1993 c.448 §7; 2001 c.962 §77; 2005 c.22 §24]

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Last modified: August 7, 2008