FAQs

Can I take Defensive Driving to dismiss this citation?: If you have not had Defensive Driving in the preceding 12 months and you have a valid Texas Drivers License and proof of financial responsibility, you may qualify to have one charge dismissed by taking a course. However, you cannot take Defensive Driving for the following violations:

- Any Offense in a Construction Zone With Workers Present
- Any Traffic Offense With a CDL
- Fleeing a Police Officer
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Passing a School Bus
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding 25 Mph Over the Posted Limit

If you meet the qualifications, you must request in writing, permission to take Defensive Driving, pay the court costs and state tax and enter a written plea of Guilty or No Contest. You will have ninety (90) days to complete the course and file the completion certificate with the Court.

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Municipal Court

1. How long do I have to take care of a traffic ticket?: You must enter a plea on each violation no later than the appearance date on the citation. You may plea Not Guilty, Guilty, or No Contest.

2. What is No Contest?: Please of No Contest mean that you do not contest the charges filed against you, but a guilty judgment will be entered and a fine assessed.

3. If I plead Not Guilty, what will happen then?: When you enter a plea of Not Guilty, you will be notified by certified mail when you must appear for trial and any other required procedures. You have a right to a jury trial if you request one.

4. Can I get a payment plan or an extension?: You have to appear in person before the Judge to request either a payment plan or an extension.

5. Can I take Defensive Driving to dismiss this citation?: If you have not had Defensive Driving in the preceding 12 months and you have a valid Texas Drivers License and proof of financial responsibility, you may qualify to have one charge dismissed by taking a course. However, you cannot take Defensive Driving for the following violations:

- Any Offense in a Construction Zone With Workers Present
- Any Traffic Offense With a CDL
- Fleeing a Police Officer
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Passing a School Bus
- Reckless Driving
- Speeding 25 Mph Over the Posted Limit

If you meet the qualifications, you must request in writing, permission to take Defensive Driving, pay the court costs and state tax and enter a written plea of Guilty or No Contest. You will have ninety (90) days to complete the course and file the completion certificate with the Court.

6. What citations are dismissed?: Proof of Financial Responsibility violations may be dismissed if valid proof of financial responsibility in effect on the date of the offense is presented to the court. Expired Inspection Sticker violations may be dismissed if valid proof that the inspection sticker violation was corrected within ten days of violation is presented to the court and an administration fee is paid.