ABOUT TICKET
Houston Municipal Courts Presiding Judge Berta Mejía announced July, 2005 changes in the design of municipal court citations that will make it easier for citizens to read and understand their options. The new citations also feature barcodes and other enhancements that will reduce errors in handling and tracking. Houston Municipal Courts recently began issuing the newly designed citations. “As we make the transition to a more citizen-friendly court, we want to ensure that the citations help reduce the anxiety that comes with receiving a ticket,” said Judge Mejía. “Most individuals who get a ticket are law-abiding citizens who want to act responsibly. Understanding all their options will help ease that tension and reduce the chance of a costly mistake,” said the Presiding Judge. Some of the features from which citizens will benefit include:
Larger ticket –While the current version is are 3.5” in length and 8.8” in width, the new ones are 5.5” long and 8.5” wide.
Map and driving directions to the Municipal Courts with driving directions.
Information Packet –
Outlines of options to pay or resolve the citation
Schedule of current fines
Methods of payment
Court locations, Web site, and telephone numbers for further clarification
Instructions on how to contest the citation
Consequences for neglecting the citation
Self addressed envelope (This color-coded feature will also enhance mailroom operations at Municipal Courts).
CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECTING TICKET Failure to pay your fine, show proof of compliance or apply for a Driving Safety Course or Deferred Disposition on or before your Court date or failure to appear by your scheduled Court date and time will result in:
A warrant issued for your arrest ($50 warrant fee plus additional fees);
A separate charge of Failure to Appear (FTA) filed ($212);
Denial of Driver's License issuance or renewal and denial of vehicle registration. To clear your Driver's License or registration, you must pay a $30 DPS (Department of Public Safety) notification fee for each case;
Referral to a collections vendor will result in an additional collection fee of 30% of total fine.
If you miss your scheduled Court date, you may appear at the Public Service Counter, City of Houston Municipal Courts, 1400 Lubbock, Monday - Saturday, 7 A.M. to 10 P.M., to pay the fine or post bond to reschedule a new Court date.
Inability to pay the fine is not an excuse for failing to appear. Fine payment arrangements can be made at the time of appearance.
