FAQs • I want to plead Not Guilty. What do I do?

I want to plead Not Guilty. What do I do?: If you wish to plead not guilty, check whether you want a trial by judge or by jury on the bottom portion of your citation and submit it to the court on or before your scheduled appearance date. You will then be scheduled for a mandatory pretrial hearing and will be notified of this hearing date by mail. If you do not wish to have a trial you will need to enter a plea of “no contest” or “guilty."

Municipal Court

1. Will an attorney be assigned to me?: No, most defendants in municipal court are not assigned an attorney because Class C Misdemeanors are punishable by fine only. You may hire an attorney if you desire, but it is not required.

2. When is my Court day?: Please refer to your citation as to the date of your appearance. The appearance date listed on citation is your deadline to take care of your citation at the court window, through the mail or online. If you would to be given an opportunity to go before the Judge, you will need to appear at the court window, and request a court setting and complete the paperwork. You cannot enter an appearance by phone. Juveniles and Minors (under 21) may require a mandatory appearance before the judge and will be mailed an arraignment notice.

3. What are your office hours?: We are open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 01:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. What forms of payment do you accept?: Cash, Cashiers Check, Money Order, Credit Card (**Name must be printed on card and a photo ID must be shown if making a payment with a credit card). Credit cards are accepted online as well.

5. Can I make a payment over the phone?: No, Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Court does not accept phone payments unless an appearance has already been made with the court and a plea has been entered.

6. Can I set a court date over the phone?: No, Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Court does not process any violation over the phone. A clerk will only be able to give you your due date or options available to you over the phone. All cases must be handled online if available or in person at our office.

7. What is the difference between a plea of "Nolo Contendere(No Contest)" and "Guilty?": A plea of guilty means that the defendant admists to have commited the offfense charged against them and may be used against you in another state court of law. A plea of Nolo Contendere(No Contest) means that the defendant does not contest the state’s charge filed against them and may not be used against you in another state court of law.

8. How do I pay my citation online?: The online website for payment is: https://fairoaksranchtx.municipalonlinepayments.com/fairoaksranchtx/court/search

9. I am a juvenile. What do I do?: JUVENILES - All defendants 16 years or younger are required to appear before the judge with a parent or legal guardian. The court will notify you of your arraignment date by mail to the address listed on the citation. Disregard the appearance date on your citation.

10. I am a minor. What do I do?: MINORS - All defendants age 17-20 charged with alcohol/tobacco/drug paraphernalia/theft or disorderly conduct offenses must also appear before the judge. If you are under the age of 18, you must appear with a parent or legal guardian. The court will notify you of your arraignment date by mail to the address listed on the citation. Disregard the appearance date on your citation.

11. I want to plead Not Guilty. What do I do?: If you wish to plead not guilty, check whether you want a trial by judge or by jury on the bottom portion of your citation and submit it to the court on or before your scheduled appearance date. You will then be scheduled for a mandatory pretrial hearing and will be notified of this hearing date by mail. If you do not wish to have a trial you will need to enter a plea of “no contest” or “guilty."

12. I would like to speak to someone about my citation. What do I do?: The court clerks at the window can explain all the options available to you. They cannot give you legal advice. If you would like to discuss any circumstances related to the citation, a not guilty plea can be entered and can be set for a court docket to speak with the prosecutor. You may request this in person, by email, by fax or by mail.

13. What can I do to keep the offense off my record?: There are two options to try and keep the offense off your driving record. The first one is to request the Driver's Safety Course. The second one is to request Deferred Disposition (probation). These two options are covered in more detail in the information notice mailed and on the municipal court webpage.

14. I just want to pay my citation. How can I do that?: Many offenses may be paid without making an appearance in person. You may pay the total amount due online on the city website by selecting Online Services to pay by credit card, or by mailing a check or money order to: Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Court, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015. Payment in full online will result in the offense being reported as a conviction on your driving record.

15. I need time to pay. Can I get an extension to pay my citation?: Upon entering a plea of no contest or guilty the court can grant a 60-day extension to pay. If you fail to pay the full amount within 60 days, the court is required by law to impose a time payment fee of $15.00 per violation. Requesting an extension to pay will result in the offense being reported as a conviction on your driving record.

16. Can my spouse, relative, friend or employer take care of my citation for me?: No. Texas State Law requires that you enter a plea on your own behalf. The only exception is a licensed attorney may enter a plea for you.

17. Where is the Municipal Court located?: Our address is 7286 Dietz Elkhorn, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015. Our office is located between in the same building as our Police Department.

18. I just received a citation. What do I do?: If you have questions, additional information is available on the municipal court webpage or on the court informational notice sent by mail. If you wish to speak to court staff, please wait at least three business days as the police department must first file the charge with the court. Our phone number is (210) 698-0983.

19. I received a citation, but I don’t see a court date printed on my citation?: Please make sure you contact a clerk at (210)698-0983 during normal office hours for further assistance.

20. I received a ticket from a State Trooper, Sheriff’s Deputy, Constable or Another City Officer for another County or City. Can I take care of it in the Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Court?: No. You must contact the court listed on your citation.

21. Why must I appear in Court?: The law requires you to appear in court on your case. If you were issued a citation, your appearance date is located at the bottom of the citation. In some cases, you may handle your ticket before your court date with the Court Clerk in person. Failing to appear before or on your required court date, may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest.