Municipal Court Procedures

This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney. If you have questions about your best course of action, what plea to enter, your rights, or the consequences of a conviction of the offense for which you are charged, you should contact an attorney. Clerks, judges and prosecutors cannot give legal advice.

Your Rights

Under the American system of justice, all persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
The State must prove you guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Every criminal defendant has the right to remain silent and refuse to testify without consequences.

Your Rights Before Trial

You have the right to retain an attorney.
No attorney will be appointed for you.
You have the right to a jury trial.
You may waive a jury trial and have a trial before the judge.
If you elect to represent yourself, no person other than a licensed attorney can assist you during a trial.

Your Rights At Trial

To have notice of the complaint.
To inspect the complaint before trial and have it read to you.
To hear all testimony introduced against you.
To cross examine witnesses who testify against you.
To testify on your own behalf or refuse without consequences.
To subpoena and call witnesses to testify on your behalf.

Your Legal Obligation

The law requires you to make an appearance.
Your appearance date is noted on your citation, bond, summons or release papers.
You or your attorney may appear:
- In person in open court
- By mail, postmarked by the appearance date (adults only)
- Delivering your plea in person to the court (adults only)
Your first appearance is to determine your plea of guilty, nolo contendere (no contest) or not guilty.

Fair and Impartial Justice

The Municipal Judge is responsible for conducting a fair, impartial, and public trial. The case against you is brought by the State of Texas through the prosecutor, not the court. The Judge may not dismiss a case without the prosecutor having the right to try the case. The only exceptions are Compliance Dismissals, Driver Safety Courses and Deferred Disposition.