Fines

The amount of the fine assessed by the court is determined by the facts and circumstances of the case.  Mitigating circumstances may lower the fine.

Maximum Fine Amounts

• $200 – most traffic violations
• $500 – most other violations of state law and city ordinances
• $2,000 – For fire safety, health, zoning and sanitation ordinance violations

Courts & Fees

In addition to a fine, the state mandates the assessment of court costs to reimburse the court system for the processing of citations and prosecution of cases.  The court costs may be different depending on the offense charged.  The Municipal Court maintains a list of court costs assessed on the most common violations.  Please contact the court if you would like to know the specific costs associated with your citation.

Requesting a Trial

It is possible that additional court costs may be assessed in response to a trial.  You may have to pay the costs of overtime paid to a peace officer spent testifying in the trial.  In addition, if you request a jury trial, an additional $5 jury fee may be assessed.

Assessing Court Costs

Court costs are only assessed if you are found guilty at trial, if you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), or if you are granted deferred disposition or a driving safety course.  If you are found not guilty or the case is dismissed, court costs are not assessed.

If you are found guilty at trial or if you plead guilty and you do not pay the entire fine and costs within 30 days of the court’s judgment, you must pay an additional $15 time payment fee assessed by the State.  

Warrant costs

If a warrant is processed or served by a peace officer, several fees will be assessed in addition to the normal court costs associated with your particular citation.  The court will assess an additional $50 fee associated with the warrant and a $10 OMNI fee to cover the costs associated with reporting your failure to appear to the appropriate Texas agencies.