(1) A prosecuting attorney who has probable cause to believe that a person is committing or has committed a security seal violation may bring suit in the name of the State of Oregon in the appropriate court to restrain such person from committing the alleged violation.

Terms Used In Oregon Statutes 618.506

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Person: includes individuals, corporations, associations, firms, partnerships, limited liability companies and joint stock companies. See Oregon Statutes 174.100
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Security seal: means a lead-and-wire seal, or similar nonreusable closure, attached to a weighing or measuring instrument or device for protection against undetectable access, removal, adjustment or unauthorized use. See Oregon Statutes 618.010
  • Temporary restraining order: Prohibits a person from an action that is likely to cause irreparable harm. This differs from an injunction in that it may be granted immediately, without notice to the opposing party, and without a hearing. It is intended to last only until a hearing can be held.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(2) Before filing a suit under subsection (1) of this section, the prosecuting attorney shall in writing notify the person charged of the alleged security seal violation and the relief to be sought. Such notice shall be served in the manner set forth in ORS § 618.526 for the service of investigative demands. The person charged thereupon shall have 10 days within which to execute and deliver to the prosecuting attorney an assurance of voluntary compliance. Such assurance shall set forth what actions, if any, the person charged intends to take with respect to the alleged violation. The assurance of voluntary compliance shall not be considered an admission of a violation for any purpose. If the prosecuting attorney is satisfied with the assurance of voluntary compliance, it may be submitted to an appropriate court for approval and if approved shall thereafter be filed with the clerk of the court. Violation of an assurance of voluntary compliance which has been approved by and filed with the court constitutes a contempt of court. The notice of the prosecuting attorney under this subsection is not a public record until the expiration of 10 days from the service of the notice.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, if the prosecuting attorney alleges that the prosecuting attorney has reason to believe that the delay caused by complying with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section would cause immediate harm to the public health, safety or welfare, the prosecuting attorney may immediately institute a suit under subsection (1) of this section.

(4) A temporary restraining order may be granted without prior notice to the person if the court finds there is a threat of immediate harm to the public health, safety or welfare. Such a temporary restraining order shall expire by its terms within such time after entry, not to exceed 10 days, as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or unless the person restrained consents that it may be extended for a longer period.

(5) The court may award reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal to the prevailing party in a suit brought under this section. If the defendant prevails in such a suit and the court finds that the defendant had in good faith submitted to the prosecuting attorney a satisfactory assurance of voluntary compliance prior to the institution of the suit or that the prosecuting attorney, in a suit brought under subsection (3) of this section, did not have reasonable grounds to proceed under that subsection, the court shall award reasonable attorney fees at trial and on appeal to the defendant. If the state prevails, the reasonable expenses of investigation, preparation and prosecution shall be taxed against the defendant, upon application of the prosecuting attorney, in the same manner as costs are taxed and shall be in addition thereto. [1973 c.294 § 3; 1981 c.897 § 70]

 

[Repealed by 1973 c.293 § 55]

 

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