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Tyler Municipal Court
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Answering a Citation Citation Dismissal Defensive Driving Deferred Disposition FAQs Going to Court Jury Service Juvenile Offenders Partner's for Youth Parking Citations Links Forms Mission Statement
Answering the Citation
Review the blue form attached to the citation.
This document contains information on how to resolve your citation.
Wait 72 hours after receiving your citation before you contact the court.
This will ensure that the court has received the citation and has the information entered into our computer system.
Appear before the court no later than 20 calendar days from the date of the citation.
You may make this appearance either in writing or in person.
>>Telephone calls do not satisfy this requirement.
>>Persons under the age of 17 must appear in court. Please see the "Juvenile Offenders" tab for more information.
If you fail to make your appearance, a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
Additional warrant fees will be added to your offense, and for certain offenses an additional charge of "Violating Your Promise to Appear" will be added ($100 - $215) fine.
Enter a Plea.
Only the person whose name appears on the citation (other than a licensed attorney) can enter a plea. You may plead either:
Not Guilty
When you enter this plea, you are stating to the court that you believe you are innocent of the charge and you wish to have your case placed on the trial docket. You will have a jury trial scheduled unless you waive that right and request a trial before the judge. Judges may not dismiss tickets. In certain circumstances when a dismissal is authorized by law, the judge may dismiss your ticket (see "Citation Dismissal"). If you believe you are not guilty, you should enter that plea and set your case for trial.
Guilty
Entering this plea means that you are admitting to the offense as charged. You will be required to pay the applicable fine plus all court costs.
Nolo Contendre (or No Contest)
This plea means that you are "not contesting" the offense. You are not admitting that you committed the offense nor are you denying it either. However, you understand that you will still be responsible for paying the applicable fine plus all court costs. A "no contest" plea may not be used at a subsequent civil trial as evidence of guilt.
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Citation Dismissal
Can the Judge dismiss my ticket?
No. The Judge does not have the authority to dismiss tickets. Any authority to dismiss a ticket is given to the judge either by statute or pursuant to a standing plea agreement from the City Attorney and under strict guidelines.
Dismissals allowed by statute are:
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
(1) You must provide a copy of a valid insurance policy that was in effect on the date and at the time that you received your citation.
(2) In the alternative, you may present a certificate of self-insurance previously issued to the driver or to the vehicle owner that was valid at the time the offense is alleged to have occurred to have your citation dismissed.
Insurance will be verified by the clerk's office with the issuing insurance company.
Failure to Present Driver's License
(1) You must present to the court a valid drivers license issued prior to the date and time of the citation.
Expired Driver's License (Tex. Trans. Code 521.026)
(1) You must renew your license within ten (10) working days of receiving the citation;
(2) You must present the renewed license to the court within fourteen (14) business days of receiving the citation; and
(3) You must pay a $20.00 administrative fee at the time of your request for dismissal (failure to pay the fee forfeits your right to a dismissal).
Expired Registration (Tex. Trans. Code 502.407)
(1) You must get the vehicle registered within ten (10) working days of receiving the citation;
(2) Within fourteen (14) days of the citation, you must present the receipt of registration to the court; and
(3) You must pay a $20.00 administrative fee at the time of your request for dismissal (failure to pay the fee forfeits your right to a dismissal).
Expired Inspection Sticker (Tex. Trans. Code 548.605)
(1) The inspection sticker on the vehicle at the time of the citation cannot be expired for more than sixty (60) days;
(2) You must get the vehicle inspected within ten (10) working days of the citation;
(3) Within fourteen (14) days of the citation, you must present the receipt showing proof of the vehicle inspection to the court for examination (the court will not enter the parking lot to view you sticker); and
(4) you must pay a $20 administrative fee at the time of the request for dismissal (failure to pay the fee forfeits your right to a dismissal).
IMPORTANT! ALL DOCUMENTS PRESENTED TO THE MUNICIPAL COURT (INCLUDING INSURANCE AND DRIVER'S LICENSES) ARE VERIFIED. FILING A FRAUDULENT DOCUMENT WITH A COURT IS A FELONY.
The following offenses are not dismissible:
- No Driver's License
- No Registration
- Improper Display of Registration
- No Inspection Sticker
- Improper Display of Inspection Sticker
Under certain circumstances, the Municipal Court Clerk's office has been authorized by the City Attorney to lower the "window fine" where proof of compliance is shown. Contact the Municipal Court to determine if your fine qualifies. Certain restrictions apply.
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Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving is a method to keep a citation off of your driving record. Upon the timely completion of an approved driver's safety course and the return of the Certificate of Completion and a copy of your Driving Record (obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety) to the court, the court dismisses your citation.
To be eligible for Defensive Driving:
(1) You must make the request for Defensive Driving either in writing or by appearing in person at the municipal court within 14 calendar days from the offense date on the citation.
(2) You must enter a plea of "guilty" or "no contest".
(3) You must pay the court costs plus $10.00 in full at the time you make the request. (If your offense occurred in a school zone you must pay the court costs plus $25.00.) There are no extensions or payment plans for this payment.
(4) You must show proof of valid automobile liability insurance with your name on the policy.
(5) You must show proof of a current Texas Drivers License.
(6) You must not have taken a course for ticket dismissal within the 12 months preceding the date of your citation.
You are NOT eligible for defensive driving if:
(1) You are accused of speeding 25 miles per hour or more than the posted speed limit;
(2) Your violation occurred in a construction zone when workers were present; or
(3) You have a commercial drivers license.
Once you determine that you are eligible for Defensive Driving, you must:
(1) make a timely request to the court for defensive driving (within your appearance date);
(2) present satisfactory proof all the above requirements (driver's license & insurance); and
(3) pay the court costs plus all applicable fees in full at the time of your request.
The Court will then sign an order allowing you to complete defensive driving. You have 90 days from the date of the court's order to complete your course.
Most courses take a minimum of two (2) days to complete. If you do not complete the course on the date ordered, you will be deemed to have failed the course. The court will also set a date (30 days after the date your course is to be completed) to deliver your Certificate of Completion and Driving Record to the court.
It is advisable to make a copy of the certificate and keep a court file-marked copy for at least three (3) years from the date of your order.
You can locate a Defensive Driving Class in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under DRIVING INSTRUCTION or Google Search Online.
Failure to timely take the course or failure to timely return your certificate of completion will result in a $200.00 fine plus court costs and the report of a conviction on your driving record including the assessment of points and surcharges by the Department of Public Safety.
Request your Driving Record online
Download/print the form to mail in a request for your Driving Record
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Deferred Disposition
also known as
Deferred Probation or Deferred Adjudication
Deferred Disposition is a method to have your citation dismissed upon the successful completion of a probationary period --- usually 90 days (for traffic offenses) but sometimes as long as 180 days (for FMFR and Class C misdemeanors) depending upon the type of case.
Even though you plead "guilty" or "no contest", the court does not "find you guilty". Instead, the court defers further proceedings and places you on probation for a period of time with conditions of probation.
Generally the primary requirement of a deferred disposition is that you do not get another citation while on probation; however, the court may impose additional requirements including but not limited to community service, tobacco or alcohol classes or shoplifting awareness classes.
To be eligible for deferred disposition:
(1) You must make the request for such either in writing or by appearing in person at the Municipal Court within 14 calendar days from the offense date on the citation.
(2) You must enter a plea of "guilty" or "no contest".
(3) You must pay the fine in full plus all probation fees (generally $250.00) within fourteen (14) days of the date you make the request.
There are no extensions or payment plans for deferred disposition.
You are NOT eligible for deferred disposition:
(1) If you have a commercial drivers license; or
(2) Regardless of your type of license, you are accused of speeding 25 miles per hour or more than the posted speed limit.
What happens once my period of probation is over with?
If the court has all information before it to prove that you have successfully complied with all of the terms of the Order of Deferred Disposition, the court dismisses the citation.
If the court has reason to believe that you have failed to comply with the Order of Deferred Disposition, you will have to appear before the Judge to explain (or show-cause) why the offense should not be entered as a conviction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Court or its employees provide me with legal advice on how to handle my citation?
No. Court employees (including the judge) are strictly prohibited by law from providing legal advice to anyone.
Do I have to employ an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?
No. You can represent yourself. Municipal Courts are not required by law to appoint you a lawyer, but you may retain one yourself. No one other than a lawyer can represent you in court. This applies to parents of juveniles. If you are not an attorney you cannot represent your child in a trial.
Can I pay my fine in installments?
The Court has a payment plan option.
If there is a mistake on the ticket, does that make it invalid?
Not necessarily. If you plead "guilty" or "no contest," the issue is immaterial. If you plead "not guilty," a complaint is generated. The contents of the complaint are relevant with regard to a trial.
Can the Judge dismiss my ticket?
A judge can only dismiss a citation if he is given the authority by statute or because of a standing agreement with the City Attorney's Office. Please see the "Citation Dismisal" tab above for more information.
I just want to tell the Judge my story. Will he/she talk to me?
Yes, but only if you enter a plea of "no contest" or "guilty". Upon a plea of "not guilty" the Judge is not allowed to hear any details of the case until the day of trial. This ensures fairness to both the defendant and the state. Also, all conversations with the Judge must be in the courtroom. The Judge is not allowed to discuss the case outside the courtroom and outside the presence of both parties. The judge cannot take phone calls.
Is this charge going to revoke my probation?
If you are on probation in a court, other than the Municipal Court in Tyler, you should refer this question to your probation officer.
Is this ticket going on my driving record?
Generally, all moving violations will appear on your driving record. Some others such as Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and No Driver's license will appear as well. If you want to keep an offense off of your record, you should request Defensive Driving or Deferred Disposition.
What about surcharges issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety?
For more information on surcharges, visit DPS Surcharge FAQs.
Can I reset my court date over the telephone?
No. All requests for reset or continuance must be made in writing. The request must be received 72 hours prior to your court date and must also list a reason why you need to reset with any proof that you can provide. Filing a request is not an automatic reset. All resets must be approved by the judge.
What action may be taken if a defendant fails to respond to a summons to come to court?
If a defendant fails to appear in response to a summons to come to court an additional charge of "Failure to Appear" (FTA) will be filed and a warrant shall be issued. The fine for an FTA is $415.00.
How may the court enforce a subpoena?
If a witness refuses to obey a subpoena he/she may be fined at the discretion of the court and writ of attachment may be issued. A writ of attachment is an order from the Judge to a law enforcement officer to immediately take this person into custody and bring them before the court.
I have a warrant for my arrest, who do I need to speak with?
Any court clerk will be able to assist you explaining your options regarding warrants arising from the issuance of City of Tyler tickets. You may speak to a clerk by calling (903) 531-1266.
I would like to dismiss the charges of assault and the Prosecutors Office will not let me drop the charges.
You and the defendant must appear in court on the assigned court date. At this time, you may request charges to be dismissed. The State, represented by the prosecutor, may proceed on the case even if you desire to dismiss the charges.
I was placed on payment plan and for some reason I defaulted on the agreement. How can I reinstate the plan?
Payment Plans are administered by the court. You will need to contact the court at (903) 531-1266 to determine your options.
I need an extension to pay the fine.
Contact the court at (903) 531-1266.
Can you tell me what time and date is my court setting?
You can obtain this information from the court at (903) 531-1266.
My deadline has passed to complete or return the driving safety certificate an/or my driving record. What do I need to do?
Contact the court at (903) 531-1266.
Someone has received a ticket in my name, how can I get this corrected?
You will need to appear at the court, 813 N. Broadway, Tyler, TX. The court clerk will then take the necessary steps to help correct this problem.
I need information regarding a County, Federal or Department of Public Safety Office.
I received a letter from the Department of Public Safety regarding the suspension of my drivers license. How do I get this corrected?
You will need to contact the local DPS office for further information or the person who sent you the letter.
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Going to Court
All persons entering the Municipal Courthouse are subject to the following rules:
- The courthouse is a secured environment. All persons and any hand carried items are subject to search.
- Silence all cell phones and pagers. Any device sounding during court is subject to seizure and will not be returned until court is over.
- No food, drink or gum chewing is allowed in the courtroom.
- Concealed handgun permits do not apply to a courthouse.
- There is to be no talking while court is in session.
- Keep your hands in plain sight and not in your pockets or jacket.
- The judge should be addressed as "your honor".
- When addressing the Judge stand a few feet back from the bench, and do not lean on the bench.
- Smoking is prohibited by law in all areas of city buildings.
- Avoid bringing small children to court. If you must, please monitor their behavior so they remain quiet at all times. Parents may be asked to leave the courtroom if their child becomes noisy or unruly.
- If you bring your friends or family to court with you, they are to remain seated while you speak with the judge at the bench.
- However, parents/guardians of juveniles should approach the bench with the child.
- Disrupting the functions of the court and/or the clerk's office may result in additional charges being filed.
DRESS CODE
It is inappropriate to enter the courtroom unless you are wearing at least a t-shirt, pants (including Bermuda shorts in summer months) and shoes. The Tyler Municipal Court reserves the right to refuse admittance in court to any person it deems is dressed inappropriately.
The following is a list of prohibited clothing:
- t-shirts that carry offensive slogans or pictures
- halter tops
- tube tops
- short skirts
- short shorts (above the knee)
- spaghetti strap shirts
- sleeveless shirts
- flip-flop sandals
- hats and sunglasses
- any other attire which the court's staff or the judge deems to be inappropriate
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Jury Service
How did I get summoned for jury service in the Tyler Municipal Court?
Any person holding a valid Texas Driver's License is subject to being called for jury service.
Where should I appear?
Check your jury summons. You should appear at the Tyler Municipal Court, 813 N. Broadway (map it) unless otherwise specifically directed to appear somewhere else on your notice. If you cannot determine where to appear, please call the court at (903) 531-1266.
How long will my jury service last?
Jury service typically lasts only one (1) day.
Since I've been summoned, will I definitely serve on a jury?
No. The process of jury selection involves both the state and defendant asking you questions concerning your qualifications, background and experiences. Each side then gets to strike up to three (3) potential jurors for any reason other than race or gender. Next, the strike lists from each side are placed side by side and the first six (6) potential jurors that neither side has struck make up the jury panel.
What kind of cases are tried in the Municipal Court?
The Municipal Court jurisdiction applies to cases that can only be punished by a "fine only." This means that punishment through jail time is not an option. Consequently, this applies to Class "C" misdemeanor offenses such as public intoxication, and shoplifting. It also applies to traffic offenses (such as speeding, seatbelt and no insurance citations), and enforcement of city ordinances such as noise violations and leash law tickets. All offenses must have occurred within the city limits (including the extra-territorial jurisdiction limits) of the City of Tyler.
I just completed jury service within the last six (6) months. Can I be excused?
Submission of proof of actual service on a jury (not just being called on a panel) will excuse you from jury service if you have completed that service in the past six (6) months.
Do I get paid for my jury service?
Yes. The Municipal Court pays $6.00 per day for jury service. You must, however, be chosen for a voir dire panel. If you claim an exemption or are disqualified, you are not paid.
What are the qualifications to serve on a Municipal Court jury?
To be qualified to serve on a jury, a person must:
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be of sound mind and good moral character |
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be able to read and write the English language |
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not have served as a juror for six consecutive days during the preceding six months |
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not have any felony convictions or a conviction for any theft |
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not be under indictment or legal accusation for any theft or felony charges |
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not be on probation or deferred adjudication for any theft or felony charges |
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be a resident of the City of Tyler and reside within the Tyler city limits |
What are the exemptions from jury service?
You may be excused from jury service if you:
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are 70 years of age or older |
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have legal custody of a child/children younger than 10 years of age and if serving on the Jury |
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required leaving the child/children without adequate supervision |
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are the primary caretaker of a person who is an invalid, unable to care for him/herself |
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are a student of a public or private secondary school |
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are a person who is enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education |
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are an officer and employee of the Texas Senate, House of Representatives, or any department, |
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commission, board office or other agency in the legislative branch of state government | NOTE: You do not have to claim an exemption if you do not want to. You may voluntarily waive your exemption and choose to serve, and we would be pleased to have you serve. However, the decision is yours.
What about "business excuses"?
Missing jury service for a business reason is not a lawful excuse from jury service.
What about "travel/vacation excuses"?
These excuses may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court. To request a travel/vacation excuse you must provide airline or other method of travel tickets in your name; hotel reservation confirmation information; seminar confirmation information; and/or an itinerary for your travel. To make a request to be excused from jury service for this reason, please complete the back page of your jury summons. You should then either mail it back to the court, drop it by the court in person, or fax it to the court at (903) 531-1369 and include the any of the other information showing proof of your travel/vacation plans.
How can I prove my "disqualification", "exemption" or offer any other excuse to the court prior to my jury service date?
To make a request to be excused from jury service, please complete the back page of your jury summons. You should then either mail it back to the court, drop it by the court in person, or fax it to the court at (903) 531-1369.
What if I decide to ignore my jury summons?
You will have to appear in court to answer to a contempt of court citation which carries a fine of up to $100.00.
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Juvenile Offenders – General Information
Appearance of Juvenile Defendant & Parents
If a defendant is younger than 17 years of age and has not had the disabilities of minority removed, the judge must take the defendant's plea in open court and shall issue a summons to compel the defendant's parent, guardian, or managing conservator to be present during the taking of the defendant's plea all other proceedings relating to the case.
Partner's For Youth
The Tyler Municipal Court has partnered with various agencies throughout the City of Tyler to provide a comprehensive youth services program to juvenile offenders. The program focuses on rehabilitation to prevent repeat offenses. For more information, please see the "Partner's for Youth" tab.
Expunction of Certain Conviction Records of Children
"Child" means a person who is ten (10) years of age or older and under seventeen (17) years of age. A person convicted of not more than one misdemeanor punishable by fine only other than public intoxication or a violation of a penal ordinance of a political subdivision, while the person was a child may, on or after the person's 17th birthday, apply to the court in which the child was convicted to have the conviction expunged.
The person must make a written request to have the records expunged. The request must be under oath. The request must contain the person's statement that the person was not convicted while the person was a child of any other offense, other than the offense the person seeks to have expunged.
This does not apply to any offense otherwise covered by
(1) Chapter 106, Alcoholic Beverage Code;
(2) Chapter 161, Health and Safety Code; or
(3) Section 25.094, Education Code.
Records of a person under 17 years of age relating to a complaint dismissed as provided by Article 45.051 (Deferred Disposition and Defensive Driving) or 45.052 (Teen Court) may be expunged under this article.
The justice or municipal court may not require a person who requests expungement under this article to pay any fee or court costs.
Failure of Juvenile to Pay Fines as Ordered by the Court
A justice or municipal court may not order the confinement of a child for the failure to pay all or any part of a fine or costs imposed for the conviction of an offense punishable by fine only or contempt of another order of a justice or municipal court.
If a child fails to obey an order of a justice or municipal court under circumstances that would constitute contempt of court, the justice or municipal court, after providing notice and an opportunity to be heard, may refer the child to the appropriate juvenile court for delinquent conduct for contempt of the justice or municipal court order; or retain jurisdiction of the case, hold the child in contempt of the justice or municipal court, and order either or both of the following that the contemnor pay a fine not to exceed $500; or that the Department of Public Safety suspend the juvenile's driver's license or permit or, if the juvenile does not have a license or permit, to deny the issuance of a license or permit to the child until the child fully complies with the orders of the court.
Failure to Attend School
On a finding by a municipal court that an individual has committed an offense under Section 25.094, Education Code, the court has jurisdiction to enter an order that includes one or more of the following provisions requiring that the individual:
(1) attend school without unexcused absences;
(2) attend a preparatory class for the high school equivalency examination administered under Section 7.111, Education Code, if the court determines that the individual is too old to do well in a formal classroom environment; or
(3) if the individual is at least 16 years of age, take the high school equivalency examination administered under Section 7.111, Education Code;
(4)attend a special program that the court determines to be in the best interest of the individual, including an alcohol and drug abuse program, a rehabilitation program, a counseling program, including self-improvement counseling, a program that provides training in self-esteem and leadership, a work and job skills training program, a program that provides training in parenting, including parental responsibility, a program that provides training in manners, a program that provides training in violence avoidance, a program that provides sensitivity training, and a program that provides training in advocacy and mentoring.
The court may also require the individual and the individual's parent attend a class for students at risk of dropping out of school.
The court may require the individual complete reasonable community service requirements, or for the total number of hours ordered by the court, the individual participate in a tutorial program covering the academic subjects in which the student is enrolled provided by the school the individual attends.
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Parking Citations
Who is responsible for paying a parking citation?
The registered owner of a vehicle by law is responsible for all parking violations committed using that vehicle regardless of who was operating the vehicle at the time the citation was issued.
What if I received a "Handicapped Parking" citation, but I have a placard?
Bring or mail a copy of the placard to the Municipal Court and we will dismiss your parking ticket.
What if I received a "Handicapped Parking" citation, but I maybe medically eligible for a placard?
Make an appointment to see the judge and explain the circumstances. You will likely be granted an extension to apply for the placard and once you receive it, your citation will be dismissed.
Can I have a trial over a parking citation?
Yes. If you believe you are not guilty of the offense for which you have been issued the citation, you may plead "not guilty" and request a trial before the court or before a jury.
How long do i have to pay my parking citation?
You must pay your parking citation on or before the 15th business day after the parking citation was issued. Citation envelopes postmarked later than 15 business days will incur additional charges.
What happens if i fail to pay?
Vehicles with outstanding parking tickets are subject to "booting". When a vehicle is "booted," it is held in place by a restraining device. The vehicle may also be towed at the owner's expense. The vehicle does not have to be in illegally parked at the time that it is seized.
Any vehicle with one or more parking citations outstanding for more than 30 days may be immobilized by the City of Tyler until payment is received. An additional charge of $50.00 will be added at the time the boot is put on your vehicle. Additional charges and/or penalties are assessed if a boot is not removed within 24 hours.
How do i get the "parking boot" removed from my car?
To get a boot removed or towed vehicle released, you must come to the Court and pay all fees due. Please remember that partial payments will not cancel a boot or tow order.
What to do if you believe a citation was issued in error?
If you received a parking notice letter in error (i.e., you no longer own the car), please write to the Tyler Municipal Court at the address above. Explain why the parking citation(s) in question does not belong to you. If you no longer own the vehicle, please provide enough information for us to contact the new owner. Normally the transfer of sale document will be sufficient.
You will continue to receive notices if additional citations are received as long as the State shows the title of the vehicle in your name. To correct registration records through the State Dept. of Transportation, call or write this agency at the following address:
Texas Department of Transportation (website)
Division of Vehicle Titles and Registration
40th Street and Jackson Avenue
Austin, TX 78779-0001
Phone: (512) 465-7611
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Links
This page is under construction. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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Forms
| Adobe Acrobat Reader (this software is required to view and print these forms) |
download here |
| DPS Driving Record Request form |
PDF download |
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Mission Statement
To provide a forum for justice to ensure that all citizens served by the Municipal Court are treated fairly and equally, without regard to race, sex, and religion, while abiding by all applicable guidelines and laws.
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