Resolve Your Citation

You may be able to resolve your citation without appearing in court, and knowing your options before court could save you time. A plea of guilty or no contest is required for the following options:

 Driver Safety Course

Prior to your initial appearance date, you can request to take the Driver Safety Course for the dismissal of your citation at the Municipal Court.

Requirements

• You must have a valid Texas driver’s license.
• You must provide proof of financial responsibility with your name listed as a driver.
• You must pay court costs and applicable fees.
• You must request permission to take defensive driving before you complete the course.
• You received a citation for a moving violation.
• You must not have completed a Driver Safety Court (for the dismissal of a citation, within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense on your citation.

Ineligibility

• You hold a commercial driver’s license, or held a commercial driver’s license when the offense was committed.
• Any offense in a construction zone when workers were present
• Passing a school bus with lights flashing
• Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit.

Deferred Disposition

You can request a Deferred Disposition in person at the Municipal Court or in open court in front of the Judge. The deferred period will be between 30 and 180 days, depending on the offense. During the probation period you must not receive any new citations or charges. Select offenses are subject to Judge discretion. You may be required to complete other conditions set by the court, such as community service hours or a Driver Safety Course. If you complete all of the requirements, the case will be dismissed.

Requirements

• You have not already paid your fine which results in a final conviction on the case.
• You have a valid driver’s license.
• You much pay all fines and court costs as required by the Deferred Order.
• If you are under the age of 25, you will be required to complete a Driver’s Safety Course as a condition of your Deferred Disposition.

Ineligibility

• You hold a commercial driver’s license, or held a commercial driver’s license when the offense was committed.
• Any offense in a construction zone when workers were present
• Passing a school bus with lights flashing
• Speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit.

Compliance Dismissals

Some charges can be dismissed prior to your initial appearance date if you meet the requirements of compliance.

Expired Registration

• Renew your registration within 20 business days of the date of the offense.
• Provide a receipt of registration that clearly identifies the vehicle on citation.
• Pay $20 administrative fee on the date you submit proof

Expired Driver’s License

• Renew driver’s license within 20 business days of the date of the offense.
• Present temporary license
• Pay $20 administrative fee on the date you submit proof

Failure to Change Address on Driver’s License

• Present temporary license with correct address
• Pay $20 administrative fee on the date you submit proof

Failure to Display Driver’s License

• Present your driver’s license that shows it was valid on the date of the offense
• Pay $10 administrative fee on the date you submit proof

Failure to Display Registration or No Registration

• Show proof that a valid registration sticker has been affixed to the vehicle
• Pay $10 administrative fee on the date you submit proof

Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility

• Present proof as required by law, showing that on the date and time you were stopped you were covered.

Consequences of Ignoring a Citation

Failure to complete 1 of the 4 options shown on or before the response date on the front of this citation will result in:

• A warrant being issued for your arrest, at which time the fine amount will be the maximum allowed by law plus court costs and fees.
• A request to the Texas Department of Public Safety for the denial of driver's license renewal.
• If a warrant for your arrest is issued, you will be subject to arrest at your home, place of business, or wherever you may be found.

A telephone call does not constitute a response. Inability to pay this fine is not an excuse for failure to answer.

Mandatory Appearance

Juveniles

Juveniles (ages 10-16) must appear in person with a parent or legal guardian for a court hearing. A court appearance is also required for the Driving Safety Course or Deferred Disposition. Do not mail the fine.

Special Instructions for Juveniles

• You and your parent are required to appear before the Court.
• You and your parent have a legal obligation to provide the Court in writing with your current address and residence. The obligation does not end when you reach the age of 17.
• On or before the 7th day after the date you or your parent change residence, you or your parent shall notify the Court of the current address by completing a Juvenile Change of Address form (available at the Court Clerk's window).
• A violation of the address change requirement may result in arrest and is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500.

Family Violence Offenses

If you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense involving violence to a spouse, intimate partner, parent, guardian, or another similar relationship, it may be unlawful for you to possess or purchase a firearm, including a handgun or long gun, or ammunition pursuant to federal law under Section 922(g)(9) of Title 18, U.S.C or Section 46.04(b) Texas Penal Code.

If you have any questions regarding whether these laws make it illegal for you to possess or purchase a firearm, you should consult an attorney.

Alcohol and Tobacco Offenses

If you are under the age of 21 and charged with a tobacco, vaping/e-cigarette, or alcohol related offense, you must schedule a court hearing to appear before the Judge.