Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
2. HOW WILL A CONVICTION AFFECT ME?
- This is a criminal conviction so the following could happen depending on your circumstances:
- Loss of driver license
- Surcharges by the Department of Public Safety
- Increased insurance cost (or cancellation)
- Loss of job
- Loss of educational opportunities
- May affect immigration status
- You may want to perform more research or consult an attorney (Court staff cannot assist)
3. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO KEEP A CASE OFF MY RECORD?
4. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET DRIVING SAFETY?: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/court/defdrive.htm
- Must make written request prior to appearance date on citation
- Must be eligible
- Must pay $111 (or $136 if in school zone)
- Must complete the course and submit paperwork in 90 days
5. WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE A DRIVING SAFETY CLASS AS PART OF A DEFERRED DISPOSITION?
- It is the policy of the Court
- This requirement will not be waived by discussion with prosecutors.
6. IF I STILL WANT TO TAKE DRIVING SAFETY CLASS AFTER BEING SET ON A DOCKET TO SPEAK TO A PROSECUTOR, WILL I BE ALLOWED TO?
- No - taking a driving safety course (DSC) to dismiss the charge is NOT available after the initial appearance date on your citation.
- You can sign up at the front counters on or before the appearance date - see requirements: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/court/defdrive.htm
7. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET DEFERRED DISPOSITION?
- Traffic, Insurance, No DL, and DWLI Cases
- Must be eligible
- Must pay an amount equal to fines, costs and fees
- Must complete a driving safety course and submit paperwork in 90 days
- Must not receive additional citations in the 90 days
- Other Misdemeanor Cases
- Must sign up for an appearance docket and speak with a Prosecutor
8. WHAT IF I HAD INSURANCE WHEN I GOT THE TICKET?
- Show proof of insurance (certificate) that was valid on the date of the ticket to clerk
- The proof will be verified by Court personnel
- If insurance was purchased after the ticket, a deferred disposition may be requested which, if successfully completed, will keep it off your record
9. WHAT IF I FIXED THE PROBLEM AS SOON AS I GOT THE TICKET?
- The following may be dismissed if the appropriate proof of compliance is presented to the Court by the appearance date on the citation (20 working days):
- Motor Vehicle Registration
- Must show the receipt and pay a $20 dismissal fee to the Court
- Driver License or Failure to Change Name/Address on DL
- Must show renewed or corrected DL and pay a $20 dismissal fee to the Court
- Equipment Violations
- Must show receipt (proof) and pay a $20 dismissal fee to the Court
- Does not apply to commercial vehicles
10. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRIAL BY JUDGE AND A TRIAL BY JURY?
- A jury trial:
- Before 6 citizens of the City of Austin
- Usually takes 3 to 4 hours, but could be longer
- A "bench" trial:
- Before a Municipal Court Judge
- Usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, but could be longer
11. WILL THE COURT APPOINT AN ATTORNEY FOR ME?
- No - these are fine-only cases.
- You may hire an attorney to represent you.
- If you go to trial,
- The City will be represented by an attorney (prosecutor).
- You (or your attorney) will be expected to follow the rules of evidence and procedure just like the prosecutors.
12. IF I DECIDE I DON'T WANT A TRIAL, CAN I CHANGE MY PLEA?
- Yes, anytime prior to trial.
- Go to front counter or send signed letter/fax: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/court/location.htm
- Change plea to "guilty" or "no contest"
- Tell Court how you want to handle your case. All options are still available except:
- Trial
- Taking a driving safety course (DSC) for dismissal
13. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY COURT COSTS IF I DON'T GO TO TRIAL?
- Costs and fees are required by State Legislature and City Council.
- The Court is mandated to collect them.
14. WHAT IF I CAN'T PAY TODAY?
- You will be required to complete an application form.
- Depending on your circumstances:
- You may be allowed to make a partial payment with the balance due in 30 days
- You may be given an extension to make your first payment
* Note: If you still cannot pay in 30 days, a payment plan may be set up
15. HOW DO I GET JAIL CREDIT?
- Submit proof of jail/prison time
- Must have been in jail after the violation date
- Travis County jail proof available at 2nd floor window at downtown courthouse for fee [link to court locations]
- Plead "no contest" or guilty at the court
- Will result in conviction
- Will be on your record
- Amount of credit to be determined by Judge
16. HOW DO I GET INFORMATION ABOUT MY SPECIFIC CASE?
- Go online at www.cityofaustin.org/court
- Call (512) 974-4800
- To get copies:
- Submit a written request by mail or email or in person
- Cost (if any) and length of time to produce copy/information will vary depending upon request
17. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A WARRANT?
18. WILL I BE ARRESTED IF I COME IN TO TAKE CARE OF A WARRANT?
Municipal Court Main Page .
Online Citation/Ticket Information .
Paying your Fines (incl. Fine Schedule) .
Court Locations .
Contacting the Court .
Resolving Traffic Tickets .
Resolving Parking Tickets .
Resolving Red Light-Photo Citations .
Docket/Trial Information
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Driving Safety Course .
Deferred Disposition .
Arrest Warrants .
Adult Community Service .
Accident Reports .
Filing a Complaint .
Performance Measures .
Organizational Chart
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Court Options Video
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