Citations and Options

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Traffic violations are classified as Class C Misdemeanors, which are generally punishable by a fine not to exceed $200 and state mandated court costs.

APPEARANCE DATE

You must make an initial appearance in person, by mail or attorney representation, on or before the appearance date listed on your citation.
If the defendant is a juvenile, they must appear in person accompanied by a parent.

Plea of Guilty/Nolo Contendere:

Payment of fine may be made at initial appearance.  You do have the option of appearing before the Judge to request a Driver Safety Course or Deferred Disposition and keep the violation off your driving record. The court may also assess a fine and court cost to be paid immediately or by a future date. Payment plans or community service may also be ordered by the court.

To appear before the Judge, visit Municipal Court at: 

Laredo Municipal Court

4610 Maher Ave. 

Laredo, Texas 78041

Click to view Court Sessions Schedule.   Closed on the City of Laredo Holidays.

Plea of Not Guilty and Request for Trial

You may plead "Not Guilty" and request a trial by Judge or a trial by Jury.

You may enter a plea of Not Guilty with the court as soon as the citation has been filed with the court or on your scheduled court date. You may make your request in person or in writing. Upon receiving your request for a trial by Judge or by Jury, your case(s) will be placed on a trial docket.  Before your trial, you will have the opportunity to:  

• Review the complaint filed against you 
• Meet with the City Prosecutor to review the merits of your case
• If you are eligible, the City Prosecutor may offer a plea-bargain

You have a right to a trial and do not have to accept any plea bargain the City Prosecutor may offer. At your trial, you will be found either Guilty or Not Guilty. If you are found Guilty, the Jury or Judge will determine the fine amount.

Click to download Not Guilty Plea/Request for Trial form.

FAILURE TO APPEAR

If you fail to appear on or before your appearance date, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, the court may request the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to deny a renewal of your Texas driver's license for a failure to appear. Additional court costs and fees may be assessed. If you possess a non-Texas driver's license, the State of Texas participates in the Non-Resident Violators Compact (NRVC), which may request that your home state suspend your driver license until you resolve your citation with this court.

DRIVING SAFETY COURSE 

The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. It is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques.

A driving safety course can only be considered if a plea of guilty or no contest is entered with the court on or before your court appearance date.

You are eligible to request this option if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age
• Had liability insurance on the date of offense
• Have a valid Texas Driver License
• Have not taken a Driving Safety Course within the last 12 months to dispose of a citation (calculated from the date of the last course completed to the date of your current citation)
• Do not possess a commercial driver license (CDL)
• Are not charged with speeding in excess of 24 mph over the speed limit
• Are not charged with a violation:
  • in a construction work zone when workers present
  • passing school bus
  • leaving the scene of an accident

If you are eligible to request a Driving Safety Course, click Driving Safety Course.

Click to request your Driver License Records.

DEFERRED DISPOSITION (PROBATION)

If you were cited for a moving violation you may request Deferred Disposition for the purpose of having your case dismissed and not appear on your driving record.  Moving violations are defined as an act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a public street or highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.

Deferred Disposition is a form of plea deal where a defendant pleads "Guilty" or "No Contest" to criminal charges in exchange for meeting certain requirements laid out by the court within an allotted period of time.  Upon completion of the requirements, which may include probation, treatment, community service, some form of community supervision, or some other diversion program, the defendant may avoid a formal conviction on their record or have their case dismissed. The Judge has the discretion of whether or not to grant Deferred Disposition.

You are eligible to request this option if:

• You do not possess a commercial driver license (CDL) 
• You are not charged with a violation in a construction work zone when workers present.

If you are eligible to request a Deferred Disposition, click Deferred Disposition.

COMPLIANCE DISMISSALS   

You may be able to request a dismissal of your case if you are charged with the following offenses and have proof of compliance:

To make a dismissal request in person or by mail, request must be made on or before your scheduled appearance date. Reimbursement fee must be paid at the time of the request and you must present proof of compliance. 

To make a request in person or by mail: 

Laredo Municipal Court

4610 Maher Ave. 

Laredo, Texas 78041

DRIVER LICENSE HOLDS

If you are unable to renew your driver's license due to a hold that was placed by this court, all citations must be paid in full before any hold can be released.  You may appear before the Judge to request other special arrangements. Keep in mind, not all requests are granted and are at the discretion of the Judge.  Payments can be made in person, by mail or online.  Once your payment has been received, please allow 3-5 days for the hold on your driver's license to be released.  Arrangements on cases CAN NOT be made over the telephone. 

For additional information on renewing your driver's license, call 512-424-2600 or log on to www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense.