Criminal Traffic
What are the options for traffic citations?
1. You may pay the fine. Refer to the Schedule of Fines. For offenses not listed, please
contact the Judge's office. NOTE: Payment of fines constitutes a plea of nolo contendere
(no contest) and guilty verdict will be rendered.
2. You may plea not guilty, and request either a Bench Trial (trial by judge) or Jury Trial
(trial by jury).
3. You may request to take a Driving Safety Course for ticket dismissal. This option is not
available to holders of a commercial driver's license.
4. You may request Deferred Disposition, where the justice of the peace my defer
final disposition of a case and grant a period for probation-like conditions to be met by
the defendant, under Art. 45.051, V.A.C.C.P. Note: This option is not available to
holders of a commercial driver's license.
What are dismissible traffic offenses?
Certain offenses may be dismissed upon providing proof to the court. Those are only:
1. Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility: It is a defense to prosecution if the person
charged produces in court a motor vehicle liability insurance policy or a certificate of self-
insurance previously issued to that person that was valid at the time that the offense is alleged
to have occurred.
2. Expired Driver's License: A judge may dismiss a charge of driving with an expired driver's
license if the defendant remedies the defect within 10 working days. When the defendant
provides proof of the remedy to the court and pays a $10 administrative fee, this charge may
be dismissed.
3. Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection: The court must dismiss a charge of driving with an
expired inspection certificate if:
A. Defendant remedies the defect within 10 working days;
B. Inspection certificate has not been expired for more than 60 days; and
C. Defendant pays an administrative fee of $10.00 to the court when the charge of
driving with an expired inspection certificate has been remedied.
4. Expired Registration: A justice of the peace may dismiss a charge of driving with an
expired motor vehicle registration if the defendant:
A. Remedies the defect not later than the 10th working day after the date of the offense;
B. Establishes that the DELINQUENT FEE has been paid; and
C. Pays an administrative fee of $10.00 to when the charge is dismissed.
Payment Plans are available. Call (936) 539-7801 to speak to a representative
Failure to contact the court by the appearance date on the citation may result in:
A. Additional charges being filed;
B. Driver's License Suspension; and
C. Issuance of an arrest warrant.
