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Rules of the Court (English)

Video Transcript

I will tell you what options are available to you in handling your case.

You have been charged with a class C misdemeanor.

This is a fine-only offense.

If you are found guilty, the fine range is from $1 to a maximum fine of $200 for traffic cases or $1 to $500 for non-traffic cases.

In addition to the fine, there will be court costs up to $101.

You have three options: First, you can plead not guilty and have a trial by a judge or jury.

The choice is yours.

You can enter your plea at the window now, and be given, or mailed, a trial date.

You may hire an attorney to represent you at the trial, but you can represent yourself if you choose.

You are not required to hire an attorney.

The local rules of court are available on the court's website, and through the clerk of the court.

There are no appointed attorneys in these cases.

At the trial, the prosecutor will have their witness generally a police officer, present.

You may bring witnesses or exhibits to put before the judge or jury.

If a witness will not come voluntarily, you can have a subpoena issued through the clerk's office at least two weeks prior to trial.

A jury trial is a more formal process.

Guilt or innocence is decided by six citizens.

A jury trial can last from a couple of hours up to an entire day.

Several cases will be set on the docket, and the oldest case on the docket is tried that day.

If your case is not the oldest, it will be reset for another time.

You may have to come to court several times before your case is reached.

A trial by judge generally takes an hour or so and is usually handled the first time you come to court.

Please be on time for your trial.

If you are late and the witnesses have left, you will be required to post a bond.

Allow for traffic conditions, parking and going through courthouse security.

If you are required to post a bond and later are found not guilty, it will be refunded to you.

If you are found guilty, it can be applied to the fine.

If you are found not guilty at the trial, there is no fine or costs of any kind.

If you are found guilty at trial, the fine can be set from anywhere between $1 and $200 for traffic cases and $1 and $500 for non-traffic cases.

In addition to the fine, there are also court costs up to $101 for each case.

The texas department of public safety will be notified, and there will be a conviction on your record.

Depending on the case, a finding of guilty can have additional negative effects on you besides just being on your record.

For instance, in no insurance cases and in no driver's license cases, the DPS will then impose annual surcharges against you for the next three years, of up to $260 a year.

These amounts are in addition to the fine to the court.

Failure to pay those surcharges can result in the suspension of your driver's license.

There are other kinds of cases, such as theft and me offenses involving alcohol with far-reaching negative consequences.

Your second option is to plead guilty or no contest at the window now.

In this event, the standard fine and court costs will be set.

A judgment of guilty will be entered and dps will be notified.

DPS will handle your case the same as if you had been found guilty at a trial.

Third, there are deferrals for most kinds of cases, in general, a deferral will involve paying an administrative fee to the court, taking a one-day class, receiving no new charges for a period of time, and perhaps some hours of commuty service.

In the event that you successfully complete a deferral, the case will be dismissed.

If you are interested in a deferral, or if you have proof, such as insurance, license, or inspection sticker, you generally do not need to talk to the prosecutor.

These can be handled at the window.

If you wish to discuss your case with a prosecutor, be aware that the prosecutor is going to be the lawyer opposing you if the case goes to trial.

Also be aware that state's witness, usually a police officer, will not be present at the time you talk with the prosecutor, and the prosecutor is unlikely to move to dismiss your case after hearing only your side

this information has been intended to help you make a decision about how to handle your case.

You may return to the window now to exercise one of your options.

Thank you.