THE JUSTICE COURT OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Justice Court Notice

This courtesy letter is furnished to you by the Justice Courts of Washington County to assist you in the handling of the charges against you. Read all instructions carefully and completely. If necessary, contact the proper Court.

PLEASE NOTE: The Judge cannot discuss the merits of a pending judicial proceeding prior to actual trial (Canon 6(c), Code of Judicial Conduct). This means that the Judge is forbidden from discussing your citation with you before trial, except, as to procedural matters. If you choose to plead guilty and have extenuating circumstances, then the Judge may discuss them with you.

A juvenile that fails to appear by the date and time on the citation may have his/her driver’s license suspended as established by the Transportation Code 729.001. A juvenile must appear in open court with a parent.

IF YOU WANT TO PAY YOUR TICKET

Hand deliver or mail to the proper Court:

•    a copy of the ticket;

•     a completed reply form - signed and dated with the appropriate plea marked (#1 or #2, GUILTY or NO CONTEST); and

•     a cashier’s check or money order, (NO PERSONAL CHECKS), in the exact amount as outlined on the backside of this letter, made out to the proper Court at the address listed above, postmarked ON OR BEFORE the Appearance date on the citation.

Failure to respond in a timely manner will result in an arrest warrant being issued for you.

IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A DRIVING SAFETY COURSE

To be eligible, you must:

•     have a valid Texas driver’s license;

•     certify that you have not taken a driver’s safety course in the past 12 months for the purpose of a ticket dismissal;

•     not have been cited for a speed of 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, (you are not eligible to take DSC if you were driving a commercial motor vehicle [C.C.P. 45.0511]); and

•      send the following items to the Court indicated above, (if mailed, it must be postmarked ON OR BEFORE the Appearance date on the citation).

                    ♦  a completed reply form - signed and dated with the appropriate plea marked (#3, GUILTY or NO CONTEST, requesting to take DSC);

                    ♦ proof of valid liability insurance;

                    ♦ a copy of the ticket;

                    ♦ a self-addressed, stamped envelope;

                    ♦ a copy of your valid Texas driver’s license; and

                    ♦ a cashier’s check or money order, (NO PERSONAL CHECKS), in the amount of $109.00, made out to the proper Court.

If you apply and do not meet the requirements, you will forfeit the $10.00 administrative fee, and your fine amount, in full, will be immediately due. You will have 90 days from the date of Court approval to complete a state certified driving safety course of your choice. You must return all necessary paperwork to the Court in order to receive a dismissal of charges. If you fail to meet the deadline, a warrant for your arrest will be issued, and/or the renewal of your driver’s license may be denied.

IF YOU WANT TO GO TO TRIAL

Send the following items to the Court indicated above:

• a completed reply form - signed and dated with the appropriate plea marked (#4, NOT GUILTY), designating whether you want a trial by Judge or by Jury;

• a copy of the ticket; and

• a copy of your valid Texas driver’s license.

You will be summoned to Court for your trial date. The County Attorney will be prosecuting your case. You may be represented by an attorney of your choice, but it is not necessary in Justice Court. You MUST notify the Court of any change of address.

IF YOU DO NOTHING BY YOUR APPEARANCE DATE

You will be charged with an additional criminal offense of Violate Promise to Appear/Failure to Appear for which additional fines and costs will attach. Arrest warrants in your name will be issued.