FAQs • Palestine, TX • CivicEngage

Skip to Main Content

Palestine, TX

Website Sign In

Do I have to hire an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?: You have the right to be represented by an attorney of your choice. Although these are class C misdemeanors, they are still considered criminal offenses. However, you can choose to waive this right and represent yourself.

▼
Municipal Court

Show All Answers

1. Can the Court or its employees provide me with legal advice on how to handle my citation?: No, court employees (including the Judge) are strictly prohibited by law from providing legal advice to anyone.

2. Do I have to hire an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?: You have the right to be represented by an attorney of your choice. Although these are class C misdemeanors, they are still considered criminal offenses. However, you can choose to waive this right and represent yourself.

3. How do I discharge my fine and costs?: See Discharge of Fines and Costs on the main Municipal Court page.

4. Can the Judge dismiss my ticket?: A Judge can only dismiss a citation if they are given the authority by the state. Please see the Dismissals page for more information.

5. Is this ticket going on my driving record?: Generally, all moving violations will appear on your driving record. Some others such as Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and No Driver's License will appear as well. If you want to keep an offense off your record, you should request Defensive Driving or Deferred Disposition (if you are eligible).

6. What about surcharges issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety?: For more information on surcharges, visit DPS Surcharge FAQs page.

7. I have a warrant for my arrest. What are my options?: See Arrest Warrants Status on the Warrants page.

8. I have a Capias Pro Fine warrant. What are my options?

See Capias Pro Fine Warrants Status on the Warrants page.

The Palestine Municipal Court policy is:

A defendant, who has an outstanding capias pro fine warrant for unpaid fines and costs, and:

Voluntarily appears at a court docket
Is unable to pay the fines and costs immediately
Has not previously been ordered to perform community service to discharge the fine & costs in the case shall be afforded the opportunity to discharge the fine and costs by performing community service.

Palestine Municipal Court Standing Order No. 2017-1

9. My deadline has passed to complete or return the driving record certificate and/or my driving record. What do I need to do?: Contact the Court at 903-731-8433.