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Traffic / Non Traffic
In addition to traffic offenses, the Justice of the Peace Court also handles a variety of criminal class C misdemeanors. Some of the more common offenses include: Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Public Intoxication, Minor In Possession of Alcoholic Beverage, and Shoplifting. In cases involving alcohol violations, an alcohol awareness course is usually required. Defendants under 17 years of age are required to appear in Court with their parents or legal guardians.
The Judge is prohibited, by Law, from discussing your ticket with you unless you have pled guilty or no-contest or the District Attorney is also present.
CDL holders are ineligible for ticket dismissals.
What Are My Options?
Not Guilty Plea
A defendant accused of one of these crimes has the absolute right to plead Not Guilty and request a trial by judge or jury. In accordance with your not guilty plea and request for a Judge/Jury Trial, your case will be scheduled for a Pre-Trial Hearing at a later date. At that time you will have an opportunity to meet with the Prosecutor, an Assistant District Attorney, from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office. If you have hired an Attorney, he/she must be present on this date.
Failure to appear for a Pre-Trial Hearing or Judge/Jury Trial on a subsequent date may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and a new charge of Failure to Appear may be filed, which can incur additional fines plus court costs, if you are found guilty.
To check for active warrants, you may visit www.texasfailuretoappear.com. Please contact our office to verify the exact amount due.
Guilty/No Contest Plea
You may also plead Guilty or No Contest and pay the fine. If unable to pay in full, you may request a payment plan.