I can't get through on the phone, it is always busy or nobody answers and my ticket is due. What do I do?
In most situations the information you need is on the orange paper the officer provided you or through our website.
You may email the court at court@wallistexas.org any time and will typically get a faster response. We receive a very high
volume of calls and emails particularly close to court dates. We will respond to your email or voicemail as soon as possible
and in the order it was received. Multiple messages will not result in a faster response.
What is the difference between a plea of not guilty, guilty, and no contest?
Not Guilty
The defendant is informing the court that he or she denies guilt or has a defense in the case and that the state must prove what it has charged in the
complaint.
If you choose to plea "Not Guilty", you have a right to a jury trial, unless you waive that right and request a trial by judge. The court will then set you for
a Pretrial court date to discuss your case(s) with the prosecutor. If you and the prosecutor do not come to an agreement during the Pretrial conference,
you will then proceed to your trial setting.
Guilty
A plea by which a defendant confesses to the crime with which the defendant is charged, or the verdict by which a defendant is convicted.
No Contest/Nolo Contendere
A plea in which the defendant does not contest the charge. Nolo contendere has the same legal effect as a guilty plea; however, it may not be used
against the defendant as an admission of guilt in a civil suit based upon or growing out of the act upon which the criminal prosecution is based.
If you choose to plea "Guilty" or "No Contest", you can pay your charge off in full, start a payment plan, or your offense may be eligible for defensive
driving or a deferred disposition. Get defensive driving information here and deferred disposition information here.
How much does my ticket cost?
The cost will vary. View a list of the fines (PDF) here.
You can make your payment by check,
money order, (payable to Wallis Municipal Court) or online
at www.walliscourtpay.com or by calling 979-428-1344.
Please note: Not all fines are listed on the chart. For any fine not listed, you may email the Municipal Court at court@wallistexas.org or call for more
information at 979-478-7111.
Can I take driver's safety course for my ticket?
Your ticket may be eligible to dismiss through a Driver’s Safety Course. To find out more information regarding eligibility, please visit the Defensive
Driving (DSC) page.
Is my ticket eligible for Deferred Disposition?
Your citation may be eligible for a Deferred Disposition. Deferred Disposition is an option that will keep your citation from being reported as a
conviction on your driving record and will be dismissed if all terms required are successfully met. If any requirements are not met and you cannot
provide a satisfactory reason why at a hearing before a judge, you will be found guilty and a conviction will be reported to the Texas Department of
Public Safety.
Please note: not all violations are approved for Deferred Disposition. If you are under the age of 25 and granted a deferred disposition you will be required to
take defensive driving as a condition of your deferral.
How will a conviction affect me?
Criminal convictions may result in any of the following based on your circumstances:
-
- Increased insurance costs or cancellation
- Loss of driver’s license
Why do I have to pay court costs even if I don't go to trial?
Court costs and fees are required by the State Legislature and City Council. The court is required to collect them.
Will the court appoint an attorney for me?
No. If you would like to consult an attorney it will be your responsibility.
How much does it cost to take driver's safety course?
You will pay $144 to the court, classes are typically $25-$30, and your driving record is $10.
Can I have an extension to complete my driver's safety course?
No. If you do not complete your class timely you may still complete it as soon as possible and submit to the court.
You will be notified by regular mail that the certificate was not received and a date and time you must speak to the Judge and request it be accepted
late. If it is not accepted late or you do not appear then you will be responsible for the remaining balance of the ticket and it will be reported as a
conviction on your driving record.