FAQs • Lancaster, TX • CivicEngage

What are my rights?: You have the right to enter a plea of guilty, nolo contendere / no contest, or not guilty to each offense charged. You have the right to consult an attorney and the right to a jury or non-jury trial. If you plead not guilty, you will need to decide whether to have an attorney represent you. You may defend yourself, but no one else except a lawyer may represent you.

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Municipal Court

1. What are my rights?: You have the right to enter a plea of guilty, nolo contendere / no contest, or not guilty to each offense charged. You have the right to consult an attorney and the right to a jury or non-jury trial. If you plead not guilty, you will need to decide whether to have an attorney represent you. You may defend yourself, but no one else except a lawyer may represent you.

Pleas:

Guilty - You admit that the act is prohibited by law, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act.
Nolo contendere / no contest - You do not contest the state's charge against you. While it is not an admission by you that you are guilty, it will result in a conviction on your record.
Not guilty - You are informing the court that you deny guilt or that you have a good defense, and that the state must prove what is charged against you.

3. How do I request a plea hearing or trial setting?: If you wish to plead not guilty or get further information on your options by setting court date, you must either appear in person within 20 days at the court clerk's office or submit a written request. The court has a form for you to use under online forms, this form can be electronically sent along with a copy or picture of your photo id.

4. What if I am a juvenile?: Juveniles must appear in person before the judge and should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Juveniles do not have to take action on a citation within 20 days. Notice of their court date and time will be mailed by the clerk to the address shown on the citation. Options are available for a counseling class for dismissal of some juvenile offenses.

5. What is Walk-In Court?: Walk in court is held once a month based on scheduling. This is an opportunity for defendants that have outstanding warrants or delinquent cases to speak to the prosecutor/judge to resolve their case. The court requires that you sign in between the hours of 8:00 am and 12 noon so that we can have your case information available. You will then return to court prior to the docket time which may be 1 pm or 2 pm depending on the schedule. The docket information is posted on the main page of the Municipal Court each month. You will not be arrested if you voluntarily come to court to resolve your case.

6. Can I pay my citation online?: Yes, but only if you wish to pay the full amount. If you have been order by the court to pay a reduced amount or have requested Driver's Safety Course or a Deferral, do not pay online. Call the court directly to make your payment. If you pay online there are no refunds and the processing fee is not refundable. The court direct line is 972-218-1334.