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.

2. How much does my ticket cost?

The cost will vary. View a list of the fines (PDF) here. 

Please note: Not all fines are listed on the chart. For any fine not listed, you may call the Municipal Court for more information at 979-478-7111.

3.Can I take defensive driving 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.

6.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. 

7.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

 

8.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.

 

9.Will the court appoint an attorney for me?

 

No. If you would like to consult an attorney it will be your responsibility.