Plea Options

  

Guilty or Nolo Contendre

You may plead Guilty or Nolo Contendre (no contest), pay the fine amount and your case will be adjudicated as a conviction, or you may refer to the Driver Safety Course or Deferred Disposition options. Those under 17 years of age who get tickets are required to appear in Court with their parents.
 
If you choose to plead Guilty or Nolo Contendre, you may pay your fine by phone at (972) 204-6720, in person during regular business hours at the Justice of the Peace Court Office, or you may mail a check or money order to the court’s physical address. Payment plan options are available.  
 

Not Guilty

On any Misdemeanor Offense, you have the absolute right to plead Not Guilty and request a trial.
If you wish to plead Not Guilty, you may request trial by Judge or Jury. That choice is yours. You are not required to have an attorney in Court, but you may hire one if you wish. The District Attorney of Rockwall County will have an attorney present to prosecute the case against you. The Judge is prohibited, by Law, from discussing your ticket with you unless you have plead guilty or no contest or the District Attorney is also present.

If you choose to go to court, you are responsible for bringing all papers, pictures, and exhibits with you to the Court hearing. You may also contact the Court for information on how to subpoena witnesses.
  
Click here to search for your specific case information

Texas Driver Responsibility Program Information (points and surcharges)
Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the repeal of the Driver Responsibility Program

 
Dismissal of Tickets

 

Tickets for an expired driver's license or license plate may be considered for dismissal. The expiration must be less than 60 days, and you must get the problem remedied (new license, or registration) and present proof of this to the Court not later than the 20th working day or before the defendant’s first court appearance date, whichever is later. The Judge will then consider dismissal of the ticket (an administrative fee may apply).

Other offenses may be eligible for dismissal through completion of a Defensive Driving Course or by meeting court ordered terms for Deferred Disposition. 
 
To search for outstanding violations you may have:
http://www.texasfailuretoappear.com/search.php
   
Payments may be made by credit / debit card (2.35% service charge applies), money order, cashier's check, cash (exact change preferred), or personal check (in state account only). 

 

About Class C Misdemeanors

In addition to Class C traffic offenses, the Justice of the Peace Court also handles a variety of criminal Class C misdemeanors. Some of the more common offenses include:  

• Disorderly Conduct
• Assault
• Public Intoxication
• Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage and/or Tobacco
• Shoplifting

In cases involving alcohol/ tobacco violations, an alcohol/ tobacco awareness course is usually required.

The Eviction Process

All eviction suits must be filed in the Justice of the Peace Precinct where the property is located. It is important to understand that the Judge is an advocate for the landlord nor tenant, and each case is tried on its own individual merit.

To locate information about Precincts please use the Precinct Finder. (Contact the Elections Administrator's Office at (972) 204-6200 if you need further help finding the proper precinct)

Once the suit is filed, the Judge holds a hearing to determine who has the superior right of possession to the property. By law, you are only allowed to sue for past due rent in an eviction case. If you are seeking other remedies (accelerated rent, re-letting fees, damages, utilities, deposit) you will need to file a separate suit.

Justice Court Suits

Justice Courts are governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Effective February 26,2019 
 
This Court accepts filings for Small Claims Suits and for Debt Claims Suits. If you have any procedural questions, please contact our Civil Clerk at (972) 204-6720.
This court cannot answer any legal questions.

Small Claims

A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Details on the Small Claims process are included on the Small Claims Petition: 

Listing of Forms

• Affidavit for Driving and Specialized Safety Course
• Affidavit Issuance of Bad Check
• Affidavit of Forged Signature
• Application for Copy of Driving Record
• Application for Deferred Disposition
• Inability to Pay Affidavit
• Petition for Debt Claim Case
• Petition for Eviction
• Petition for Repair and Remedy
• Petition for Small Claims
• Plea Sheet
• Steps for Filing an ODL