Appearance Requirements

Any person who has a citation or legal complaint filed against them in the Municipal Court must appear:  

• in person
• by mail
• by counsel/attorney (but you are not required to)
• Juveniles (defendants under the age of 17 at the time of offense) must appear before the Judge in court with a parent or legal guardian
• Dress Code requirements apply
• A telephone call DOES NOT constitute an appearance in court

 Plea options and definitions

Guilty Plea

By a plea of guilty, you admit that you committed the act charged and that it is prohibited by law, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act.

No Contest (Nolo Contendere) Plea

A plea of no contest means that you do not contest the charges against you.  A plea of no contest cannot be used against you in the event of a subsequent civil suit for damages.

 Not Guilty Plea

A plea of not guilty means that you deny guilt or that you have a good defense for your case. When you enter a plea of not guilty to a charge, you will be set for trial. You may either represent yourself or retain an attorney.

Failing to Make Your Appearance

If you do not answer a citation by the initial appearance date noted on your citation, then you have failed to appear.

 Failure to appear for a scheduled court date, without having     properly requested a continuance, may result a hold being placed against your driver license and or may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.

**If you are unable to pay the fine and costs, there are alternatives to the full payment of any fine or costs owed and we will discuss your options with you at your scheduled court hearing.  Failure to appear for your court date or any date for which the case is scheduled before this Court; may result in a Failure to Appear charge being filed against you and warrants issued for your arrest.**
 
 **If you have received a notice of a surcharge due to a conviction on your driving record, visit Texas DPS Driver Responsibility Surcharge Program or call 1-800-688-6882 to use the automated system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to obtain account information or make payments using a checking, savings, or money market account.