Rule 2.4
               Hearings on Written Statements


(a) The court authorizes mitigation hearings and contested
hearings on written statements in lieu of a defendant's
personal appearance.  A written statement that does not
clearly request to contest a notice of infraction will be
treated as a request to explain mitigating circumstances.

(b) A defendant may submit a written statement as a response
to a notice of infraction within 15 days of the date the
notice is personally served or, if the notice is served by
mail, within 18 days of the date the notice is mailed.
Additionally, a defendant who has requested a mitigation
hearing or a contested hearing may submit a written
statement later in lieu of personally appearing at the
hearing.  The written statement must be received by the time
of the hearing.

(c) A written statement may be delivered to the court in
person, by United States mail or any other delivery service,
by facsimile, or by email.   The court's contact information
is as follows:

     Address:       Cowlitz County District Court
                    312 SW 1st Avenue
                    Kelso WA  98626

     Facsimile:     (360) 577-3132

     Email:         dctcourt@co.cowlitz.wa.us

                    or through the court's web site:

                    www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/districtcourt

(d) A written statement shall contain the person's promise
to pay the monetary penalty authorized by law if the
infraction is found to be committed. The statement shall be
executed in compliance with RCW 9A.72.085, in substantially
the following form:

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the
laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true.
I promise that if it is determined that I committed the
infraction for which I was cited, I will pay the monetary
penalty authorized by law and assessed by the court.


______________________________  ______________________________
(Date and Place)                 (Signature)



[Effective September 1, 2004.]