Court Appearances

Texas law requires that you appear in court to enter a plea on your case. If you were issued a citation, you must appear on or before the initial appearance date included on your citation.  If you have been released on bond, your initial appearance date is set on the bond.  The Municipal Court will also generally mail a courtesy notice confirming the initial appearance date to you at the address included on the citation.  

An appearance must be made in person or in writing; a telephone call does not constitute an appearance.  For most offenses, unless you need to see the Judge, you may enter your appearance before the date and time noted on your citation.  Your initial appearance may be in person or through an attorney appearing on your behalf.  In addition, you or your attorney can drop off, mail, email, or fax your signed plea to the court before your scheduled initial appearance.  When you make your appearance by mail, your envelope must be postmarked before the date set for your initial appearance.  

JUVENILES ages 16 and under are required by law to appear in open court with their parent or legal guardian on all charges filed against them.

If you fail to appear in person, by mail, or by fax by the date scheduled for your initial appearance, or if you subsequently fail to appear for a pre-trial or trial setting, you can be charged with an additional offense of “Violation of Promise to Appear” or “Failure to Appear” and a warrant for your arrest will be issued.  The offenses of “Violation of Promise to Appear” and “Failure to Appear” carry with them additional court costs, fees, and fines.  Your failure to resolve your offenses may also result in reports being made to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Transportation, and you may be denied your right to renew your driver’s license or to register a vehicle in your name.