A complaint notifies the defendant of the offense charged so he or she may prepare a defense.
Pro se defendants in municipal court have the right to hire a lawyer, but many defendants accused of fine-only offenses appear in court pro se (pro se means "for oneself"). Please be advised that having a lawyer for your trial is recommended as legal issues are complex and there may be outcomes you are not aware of.
In criminal cases, defendants have a right to review information regarding their case that is in possession of the state (prosecutor). This may include offense reports, documents, photographs, or video related to your case. Also, under the Supreme Court's decision in Brady v Maryland, prosecutors are required to turn over evidence that is favorable to the defendant and that is relevant to either guilt or punishment. The prosecutor must share this regardless of when it is found - either before, during, or after trial.
  • If you do not respond to the citation by the 30th day, a warrant may be issued for your arrest and you could incur costly fees in addition to the regular fines and court costs.
  • In addition, you may be denied renewal of your driver's license.
  • If you request a court date (pretrial conference that allows you to speak to the prosecutor) and you want to reschedule, immediately email the court clerk.
  • If you are scheduled for trial before a judge or jury and you need to reschedule, you must file a written Motion for Continuance immediately via email or mail upon discovering the necessity for continuance. If the motion is filed less than 2 days prior to trial, it will be heard the day of trial.

Unable to pay a fine?

The court will issue a capias pro fine (warrant) if court ordered fines and court costs are not paid as ordered or if an alternate payment option has not been completed.

If you are unable to pay a fine, payment alternatives may be available to you. All payment alternatives must be approved by a judge during a show cause hearing. Proof of income and expenses is required.

If you have extenuating circumstances that limit your ability to pay or perform community service, you must appear before a judge at a show cause hearing.

You can find a complete list of fees at this link.

You must resolve your violation by the initial appearance date stated on your citation. Not all offenses are eligible for a driving safety course. Are you eligible?

Yes

  1. You have NOT taken a DSC within the last 12 months for a moving violation.
  2. You have a Texas Driver License (unless you are in the military).
  3. You have current vehicle insurance in your name or other form of financial responsibility.

No

  1. You were speeding 25mph or more over the posted speed limit
  2. You have a commercial driver license.
  3. You were leaving the scene of an accident.
  4. You were fleeing police.
  5. You committed an offense in a construction zone with workers present.
  6. You were passing a school bus loading or unloading children.