MUNICIPAL COURT

The mission of the Municipal Court is to provide an impartial, unbiased, fair and respectful forum for the administration of justice, as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and the Code of Judicial Conduct.

The Municipal court presides over Class C misdemeanor criminal offenses and city ordinance violations occurring within the city limits.  These offenses include traffic offenses, parking offenses, Penal Code offenses, Health and Safety Code offenses, Alcoholic Beverage Code offenses, Education Code offenses and City Ordinance violations.

The Municipal Court is the Judicial Branch of city government.  This Court and its officers are dedicated to the principles of impartiality, fairness, integrity and judicial independence.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RECEIVE A CITATION?

Cases are brought to the Municipal Court when an officer issues a citation.  A citation is a document explaining that an officer has cause to believe that you have committed an offense.  The citation requires that you appear in a court of law.  The citation will indicated a date by which you must contact the Court.  This date is called "the answer date."  You must contact the Court by this date.

When you receive a citation the options to resolve your case vary depending on the offense, severity of the offense, age of the defendant, etc.  If your situation allows you to resolve the matter without appearing in open court you may pay the fine, ask for compliance dismissal, request driver's safety course, or request a deferred disposition.

Notice to Vulnerable Populations