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Frequent Asked Questions

Welcome to the City of Woodville Municipal Court

The Municipal Court is the judicial branch of the government of the City of Woodville.  It is committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient and timely manner.  Court services are increasingly available online, by telephone, email and through the mail, which contributes to compliance in a customer service and ecologically friendly way.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

NO PERSON CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED

Cashier's Check or Money Orders made payable to "Woodville Municipal Court" will be accepted.

We DO NOT ACCEPT Cash App cards, Venmo, Chime, PayPal or Apple Pay.

We are NOT Tyler County or Texas DPS.  Please contact the Justice Center at (409) 283-3631.



Notice:  Nothing contained on this site is intended as legal advice.  You may wish to consult an attorney before deciding which option is appropriate for you.

Notice:

  • The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanors, which are punishable by fine only; offenses occurring within the city limits that are violations of city ordinances or violations of a state statute.
  • The Woodville Municipal Court DOES NOT provide or give legal advice.
  • You have the right to appear in Court and contest the charge failed against you and you have the right to a jury trial.
  • If you decide to appear in person, your appearance should not be made before 3 business days after receiving your citation as this allows the Court time to process the citation and make it available when you appear at the Court.
  • Anyone under 17 years of age must appear in person before the Judge and must be accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.
  • Anyone under 21 years of age, but over 17 years of age, that is charged with an alcohol offense must appear in person before the Judge.
  • A telephone call DOES NOT constitute an appearance, and continuances are not granted by telephone.
  • Convictions for moving violations are reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • If you do not contact, or make payment, to the Court on or before your appearance date listed on your citation, an additional charge of Violate Promise to Appear ($272) will be filed against you.
  • If you need to change your contact information with the Court, please notify the court by email: court@woodville-tx.gov.


I received a citation, what do I do now?

You need to decide how you would like to dispose of your citation.  The officer should have given you a handout to assist you in this endeavor.  If you did not receive one or no longer have it, please contact the court.  This form is due by the appearance date given on your citation.


What happens if I don't make contact with the Court by my appearance date?

You will be sent a Violate Promise to Appear (VPTA) card in the mail that gives you a "second change" to resolve your outstanding citation.  If you fail to contact the court in the extended time period, you will receive a VPTA charge with fines/fees of $272.00.  You will them be summoned to appear in person to the Court for a Show Cause hearing with the Judge.  If you fail to appear for that hearing, you will receive an additional charge of Failure to Appear (FTA) and a hold on your license will be put into place.


How should I plead?

Court employees (including the Judge) are strictly prohibited by law from providing legal advice to anyone.  If you are needing legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.  However, we can explain your options to better help you make a decision. 

  • A plea of NOLO CONTENDERE states that you are not contesting the charges filed.  If you plead Nolo Contendere, a finding of guilty will be entered by the court and a fine accessed.
  •  A plea of GUILTY states that you are guilty of the charges filed.  The fine and costs on a plea of guilty are the same as a plea of nolo contendere.  A guilty plea may adversely affect you in the event a civil action is brought.
  •  A plea of NOT GUILTY states that you are not guilty of the charges filed.  If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be set.  You are required to appear for trial.  Failing to appear may result in you being charged with FAILURE TO APPEAR.  Notice of your court date will be sent to the address on file, please update the court of any address changes prior to disposition of your case.


I don't want this moving violation to appear on my driving record, what can I do?

  • Request a Driving Safety Course with the Court.  To enter your plea and request this option, complete the E-Mail Appearance Form to you by the officer.
  • Request Deferred Disposition.  To enter your plea and request this option, complete the E-Mail Appearance Form to you by the officer.
  • Receive a Not Guilty verdict at trial.


How long do I have to take care of my citation?

You must enter a plea on your citation by the appearance date that is shown on your citation.  Or if you need more time to pay, you may request a payment plan.  If you do not have the financial ability to resolve your citation through payment of the fine you can request an indigency hearing before the Judge.  In that case, we will send you a financial affidavit to complete and return to the court with all supporting documentation.


What if I was issued a citation for No Insurance, but I have insurance?

Submit proof of insurance that was valid on the date and at the time of citation issuance before the appearance date listed on your citation.  The court will verify the coverage was in effect and your case will be dismissed. Click here for more information on Compliance Dismissals.


What if I received a citation for Expired Vehicle Registration?

Renew your Vehicle Registration before the appearance date listed on your citation, submit proof to the court, pay $10 compliance dismissal fee and your case will be dismissed.  Click here for more information on Compliance Dismissals.


I have a warrant for my arrest, what do I do?

Contact the court.


Will I be arrested if I come to the court to take care of a warrant?

No, you will not be arrested on a warrant issued by our court if you appear to take care of the warrant.  You may, however, be arrested at any other time or location.


Where can I find City Ordinances?

They can be found here.


Contact Information

Physical / Mailing Address:   Woodville Municipal Court - 400 W. Bluff Street - Woodville TX 75979

Office Phone Number: (409) 283-3255

Fax Number: (409) 283-8412

Email: court@woodville-tx.gov