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1. I got a ticket. Now what do I do?

You may appear in court on the date indicated on your citation, or resolve your case in person or online prior to your court date. All non-jury court hearings are held remotely in virtual court on Zoom.  To review your case online, visit our Online Resolution System. 

Potential ticket resolution options are provided. These options vary depending on the type of offense, case status, or other factors. Reviewing your case online or speaking with a Court Clerk can provide options specific to your case.  

Basic Options for Adults:

• Appear in Court to Contest the Ticket
• Pay in Full
• Request a Payment Plan

Please note that paying the ticket will result in a conviction that may appear on your driving or criminal record. 

Options to Keep a Ticket Off of Your Record:

• Request to take a Driver Safety Course
• Request Deferred Disposition
• Request a Compliance Dismissal (for violations such as illegal window tint, expired registration, etc.)

Dismissals are only granted once all requirements are successfully completed and sufficient evidence is provided to and approved by the Court. 

2. What methods of payment are accepted?

If you wish to plead Guilty or No Contest and pay any fines and costs incurred, you may do so in person, by mail, by drop box, or online. In person, we accept cash, check, cashier's check, money order, or card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover). No loose coins accepted (must be rolled).  Card payments are accepted online or by automated phone system at 940-240-3070.  Please do not put cash in the mail or drop box. 

3. Can I make partial payments?

Depending on the case, defendants may qualify for a payment plan agreement. Payment plans can be requested online or in person. If approved, there will be a $15 time payment fee added to the fine. This additional fee is required by State Law and cannot be waived by the Court.

4. What if I am unable to pay?

You are encouraged to contact the Court as soon as possible so that we may provide you options for resolving your case. You may qualify for a payment plan or other resolution options. You will not be arrested if you visit the Court to resolve your case.

Unresolved citations will eventually result in a warrant for arrest. If still unresolved 60 days after warrant issuance, cases are referred to a collection agency. The collection agency charges a 30% fee on top of existing fines and fees.

If a defendant is unable to pay the fine when due, the defendant must appear at the clerk's office and request their case be set on a show cause docket. If the defendant qualifies, the court may allow the defendant to pay the fine in installments or discharge the fine by performing community service. If community service creates an undue hardship, the judge may enter a finding of indigence and waive fines and fees.

If a defendant appeals the Court's decision and is indigent or otherwise too poor to pay either the appeal bond or the transcript, they may file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court and a Motion to Waive Costs within the ten day period to file an appeal bond. A hearing on the motion to waive costs shall then be scheduled by the court.

5. Can I take a driver safety course?

Certain traffic violations qualify for dismissal by taking a Driver Safety Course (DSC) and completing all associated requirements. To determine if you are eligible, view your case options online or contact the court. Requests to take a DSC may be submitted online or in person. Requests must be approved by the Court BEFORE taking the course. 

You are NOT eligible if:

• You have taken a DSC within 12 months of the date of the citation or are required to take a DSC for another violation;
• You have or held a commercial driver's license (CDL) a the time of the offense;
• The offense is for speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit;
• The offense occurred in a construction zone with workers present;
• The offense was for unlawfully passing a school bus; or
• The offense included leaving the scene of an accident.

A valid driver's license and proof of insurance are required to submit a DSC request. If your DSC request is approved by the Court, you will be required to complete a TDLR approved course.  Make sure you complete a Driver's Safety Course and NOT a Driver Education Course.  Upon completion, you will submit the course completion certificate and your driving record to the Court for verification. Your driving record can be requested online through the Department of Public Safety website. 

6. What is deferred disposition (probation)?

Deferred Disposition is an option that will keep your citation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record and will be dismissed if all terms required are successfully met. If any requirement is not met and you cannot provide a satisfactory reason why at a hearing before the judge, the citation will result in a conviction and be reported to the Department of Public Safety. Not all violations are approved for Deferred Disposition. To determine if you are eligible for Deferred Disposition, view your case options online or contact the court.  

You are NOT eligible if:

• You have or did have a Commercial Driver License (CDL) at the time of the citation; or
• Your speed was 95 miles per hour or more.

You may submit a request for Deferred Disposition online or in person. If approved,  you will be required to pay a fee and court costs. Deferred Disposition typically includes 90 days of probation during which you may not have any additional citations filed with this Court. If you are under the age of 25, you will also be required to complete a Driver Safety Course as a condition. All requirements must be satisfied for your case to be dismissed. If you are unsure if you have adequately completed your requirements, please contact the Court.   

7. How do I plead no contest?

If you want to enter a plea of No Contest or Guilty and resolve your citation without appearing in Court, you can visit our online system to review your options. You may also speak to a Clerk in person, by email, or by phone during normal business hours. 

8. How do I plead not guilty?

If you want to plead Not Guilty, you are required to appear in Court on the appearance date listed on your citation. If you are unsure of your Court date and time, please contact the Court by Email or phone.