FAQs • Texarkana, TX • CivicEngage

I just want to tell the Judge my story. Will he/she talk to me?: Yes, but only if you enter a plea of "no contest" or "guilty". Upon a plea of "not guilty" the Judge is not allowed to hear any details of the case until the day of trial. This ensures fairness to both the defendant and the state. Also, all conversations with the Judge must be in the courtroom. The Judge is not allowed to discuss the case outside the courtroom and outside the presence of both parties. The judge cannot take phone calls.

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Municipal Court

1. How long do I have to take care of my ticket with the City of Texarkana, Texas?: You have 10 days from the date you received your ticket to appear at Municipal Court.

2. What methods of payment are accepted for fines?: We accept cash, cashier's check, or money order.

3. Where do I pay my traffic ticket?: Pay by contacting Municipal Court by phone at 903-798-3010, or on the 1st floor of the Bi-State Justice Building:
100 N. Stateline
Box 1
Texarkana, Texas 75501

4. Whom do I contact about a driving safety course?: Municipal Court at 903-798-3010.

5. Can I make partial payments?: Time Pay Agreements are available, but there is an additional $25 fee added to the fine for each charge put on time pay. The additional fee is required by State Law and cannot be waived by the court. To request time pay you must get a court date and appear in court before the judge.

6. 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.

7. Do I have to employ an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?: No. You can represent yourself. Municipal Courts are not required by law to appoint you a lawyer, but you may retain one yourself. No one other than a lawyer can represent you in court. This applies to parents of juveniles. If you are not an attorney you cannot represent your child in a trial.

8. If there is a mistake on the ticket, does that make it invalid?: Not necessarily. If you plead "guilty" or "no contest," the issue is immaterial. If you plead "not guilty," a complaint is generated. The contents of the complaint are relevant with regard to a trial.

9. I just want to tell the Judge my story. Will he/she talk to me?: Yes, but only if you enter a plea of "no contest" or "guilty". Upon a plea of "not guilty" the Judge is not allowed to hear any details of the case until the day of trial. This ensures fairness to both the defendant and the state. Also, all conversations with the Judge must be in the courtroom. The Judge is not allowed to discuss the case outside the courtroom and outside the presence of both parties. The judge cannot take phone calls.

10. Is this ticket going on my permanent 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 of your record, you may request Deferred Disposition or in some cases a Driving Safety Course.

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

12. I have a warrant for my arrest, who do I need to speak with?: Any court clerk will be able to assist you explaining your options regarding warrants arising from the issuance of City of Texarkana tickets. You may speak to a clerk by calling (903) 798-3009 or (903) 798-3790.