FAQs • Azle • CivicEngage

▼
Municipal Court

1. I just received a citation, what do I do?: You have several options depending on why you were given the citation. Options may be given by phone, but any arrangements must be made in person during regular business hours. You may contact our office at (817) 444-5296 or (817) 444-5088 or by e-mail.

2. What is deferred disposition?: Deferred disposition is also referred to as "probation". If you meet the requirements, you may request deferred disposition. Contact our office for requirements and fine amounts.

4. Can I have some time to pay out my citation?: You must come into the Municipal Court Clerk's office to request a payment plan. We will be able to give you a thirty (30) day extension at no additional cost to you. If you go beyond the thirty days, the State of Texas imposes a Time Payment Fee of $15 per violation. If you require longer than thirty (30) days, you will need to set a court date and request a longer extension from the Municipal Court Judge.

5. Can I take care of my citation through the mail?: If you wish to pay the fine amount, you may handle it via mail. You will need to sign the back of your citation, circle either "guilty" or "no contest", and make the check payable to the "City of Azle" and mail to PO Box 1378, Azle, Tx 76098. When your payment is received, your citation will be disposed of. If you were cited for a "moving violation", payment in this manner will result in a conviction entered on your driving record. Contact our office for any fine amounts.

6. Will a Driver Safety Course benefit me?: The driver safety course is also referred to as "defensive driving". If you meet the requirements, taking an approved course will prevent the citation from appearing on your driving record. Contact our office for the requirements and fee amounts.

7. I am not guilty, can I have a trial?: Everyone has a right to a trial. If you wish to plead not guilty, you will need to appear at the Municipal Court Clerk's office to obtain a pre-trial setting. At the pre-trial hearing setting, you will have the chance to speak to the City Prosecutor and advise whether you would like a trial by Judge or by Jury.

8. Will it cost me any more to have a trial?: There is no additional cost to plead not guilty and have a trial. However, if you are found "guilty", the fine amount imposed may be greater than the original fine. (If you have a jury trial, there is a range from which they may determine your fine.). If you are found "not guilty", you will pay nothing.

9. My child received a citation, can it be kept off the record?: In lieu of paying the fine, the teen performs community service hours in our S.W.E.A.T. (Success With Every Azle Teen) program. If the teen completes the ordered community service and pays their appropriate fees, the citation is dismissed and will not go on their record. If they do not complete their hours, they will be brought back before the Judge and ordered to pay the fine amount. The teen must appear before the Municipal Court Judge in order to request participation in the S.W.E.A.T program. In order to be eligible, you must be enrolled in Junior High or High School and be between the ages of 12 - 18. There is an administrative fee of $20 per violation to participate.