Show All Answers

1. Can I pay my ticket online?

Yes. By visiting Pay Abilene, citizens can search for their violation by last name, citation number, driver's license number or vehicle information. Credit cards accepted are Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover. Debit cards with the Visa or Master Card logo are also accepted.

Citizens who use this online service must pay for their tickets in full at the time of use if they have not already contacted Municipal Court and made arrangements for a payment plan.

Fees

Please note that paying tickets online will include a 5% processing fee, with a minimum fee of $2.95. It is the defendant's responsibility to make the payment to the right court and for the correct amount. If payment is rejected for any reason, the fine amount will be refunded but the processing fee will not. Please pay carefully.

Contact Information

For more information about this service, contact a Municipal Court representative at 325-676-6333 Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm, excluding City holidays. You may also visit our offices at 4575 S 1st Street.

2. How can I contest a parking citation?

To contest a parking citation, you must appear in person to request a parking hearing which will be conducted by a parking hearing officer. This hearing allows you to present your case to the officer for him or her to make a determination regarding your citation. A finding of guilty by the parking hearing officer may be appealed to an appeal officer. The request must be made within 10 days from the date of the violation.

3. How can I contest a traffic citation?

You must first enter a plea of not guilty. This plea may be entered in one of two ways:

• You may mail your plea of not guilty to Municipal Court prior to your appearance date
• You may personally appear in court and enter a plea of not guilty

Pre-Trial Docket

When you enter a plea of not guilty on a traffic citation, you will be listed on the Pre-trial Docket. The Pre-trial is an opportunity for the defendant to discuss the facts of the case with the City Attorney's Office in an effort to resolve the matter without a full trial. When you are issued a citation, an instructional sheet is attached explaining the procedures to contest a citation.

4. How can I obtain information on a traffic citation?

Information on a traffic citation can be obtained in person at the Municipal Court Office. The Court is located at 4575 S 1st. You may also call the Court at 325-676-6333.

5. Can a parent represent his or her child in Municipal Court?

No. State law only allows defendants to either represent themselves or be represented by an attorney. However, a parent may sit in the courtroom while his or her child is on trial, but be aware that unless you have a license to practice law in Texas, the child will have to speak for himself or herself.

6. Am I eligible for deferred disposition?

This option is subject to the Judge's approval and may or may not be granted.

Terms & Conditions

Pay court cost, serve out probation for up to 180 days, and avoid a conviction for a similar offense while on probation. Other terms and conditions may be imposed by the Judge. Successful completion of the probation will result in the dismissal of the citation.

7. Can I take a defensive driving class for dismissal of a traffic ticket?

Yes. You must either appear in person or forward a request by postal mail within 10 days from the date of the citation in order to be considered for the dismissal of a traffic citation by attending a defensive driving class. You must provide a copy of your insurance certificate (or other form proving financial responsibility). The certificate must either be in your name, or show you listed as a driver on the policy. You must have a valid Texas driver's license, and you must pay the court costs for a regular citation (or if the violation was in a school zone).

If you have already taken a defensive driving course in the past year to keep a citation off of your record, you are not eligible to attend another class.

Eligibility

Defendants are required to hold a valid Class C Texas drivers license. Those who hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL) are not eligible. For all exceptions that can disqualify someone for a defensive driving class, please contact a Municipal Court representative at 325-676-6333.

8. How do I reschedule a pre-trial/trial date for Municipal Court?

To reschedule a pre-trial/trial date, requests must be submitted in writing at least 7 days prior to the date of your pre-trial/trial date. The judge must approve the request before the pre-trial/trial date may be reset. If the judge grants the request, then the court will send a notice of the new appearance date and time. If the judge denies the request, you will be expected to appear as originally scheduled. 

Failure to appear could cause a new citation to be issued with a warrant for your arrest.

9. I have been notified there is a warrant for my arrest. What should I do?

If you have been notified by Municipal Court or one of the Court Marshals that you have a warrant for your arrest, you should appear in Municipal Court immediately regarding the citation. The court is a safe harbor; if you voluntarily appear in court you will not be arrested.

Failure to Appear in Court

Failure to appear in court when you have a warrant could result in your arrest, regardless of the location where you are contacted. Locations may include such places as your location of employment, your home, your school, or even during a traffic stop by law enforcement. If you are concerned that you may have a Municipal Court warrant, you can check the list shown on the Warrants List or call us at 325-676-6333.

10. Will the Municipal Court pay a Defense Attorney to represent me?

No. Municipal Court is a fine only court, and will not pay for representation by a defense attorney.