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1. Is my appearance required to resolve my citation?

The law requires that you personally appear in court for your violation. If you were issued a citation, your appearance is required within 20 business days from the date of the citation.

Juvenile Appearances: According to State Law, persons 16 years of age or younger MUST appear in person with a parent or legal guardian before the Municipal Court Judge. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL YOUR FINE PAYMENT; payment cannot be accepted prior to the court appearance.

Minor Appearances: According to State Law, minors under age of 18 with alcohol or tobacco violations must appear with a parent or legal guardian before the Municipal Court Judge. Minors ages 18 to 21 with alcohol violations must appear in person before the Municipal Court Judge.

2. Can I handle my citation through the mail?

If you wish to mail remittance of fines, a copy of the citation should accompany the full payment for the citation. A written plea should also be submitted with your payment in full. A plea form may be printed from the City of North Richland Hills Municipal Court website. Any payments postmarked after the due date of the citation will be considered late and additional fines will apply. Plea Form

3. How can I keep a citation from being reported on my driving record?

The North Richland Hills Municipal Court provides two options to keep citations from adversely affecting your driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety. These options are deferred disposition and defensive driving. Both of these alternatives require a plea of "guilty" or "no contest" and approval from the Court.

4. How do I receive an extension to pay or continuance on a court date?

Only the Municipal Court Judge may grant continuances or extensions to pay fines and court costs. You may be required to post a cash bond for continuances or resets on previously scheduled court dates. State Law requires the payment of a $25.00 time payment fee for payment extended past 30 days.

5. Can certain violations be dismissed?

Some offenses may be dismissed for compliance if the defendant meets all the requirements. These violations include: Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Fail to report name or address change, Fail to Display Valid Driver's License, Expired Driver's License, Expired Vehicle Registration, Expired Vehicle Inspection, Driver's License restriction or endorsement violations and defective equipment violations.

These dismissals have terms and are not always a defendant's right. These dismissals are offered only if the defendant appears on or before the required appearance date and meets specific terms. Fees for compliance dismissals are payable immediately by cash, check, money order or credit card.

6. I cannot pay the fine in full; is it possible to pay my citation in installments?

The Judge may allow you to set up a payment plan for outstanding citations. You may not be eligible for this option if you have previously defaulted on a payment plan or if you have enrolled in community service. The court clerk will give you more detailed instructions on setting up a payment plan at the customer service window. There is a financial information packet that must be completed before the Judge will consider your request for a payment plan.

7. How do I contest my citation?

If you feel that you are not guilty of the offense as charged, you must appear before the Municipal Court Judge to contest your citation.

8. What if I fail to appear by my due date?

If you Fail to Appear in Court as provided by law for the prosecution of an offense, you may be denied a driver's license or denied renewal of your driver's license.

9. Why do I have to see the Judge?

State Law dictates your appearance before the Judge. In many cases you may be able to take care of your citation with an online payment or by mailing your payment to the Court.