municipal-courtMunicipal Court processes all fine-only, Class C misdemeanor traffic and ordinance violations written by the Karnes City Police, Animal Control, Building, and Code Enforcement Departments. Court personnel will assist you as much as possible by answering procedural questions; however, Court personnel do not provide legal advice to the public. Should you receive a citation, please allow five (5) business days before contacting Municipal Court about your citation. Please be advised that telephone calls do not constitute an appearance before Municipal Court. You must provide a written plea and request in writing. Information regarding Court procedures.

Plea of Not Guilty

If you contest the citation and plead not guilty, your case will be reset to a future date for a jury or non-jury trial. You may subpoena witnesses on your behalf.

Important Information Regarding Juveniles and Minors

Juveniles (under the age of 17) or minors (between the ages of 17 and 20) must appear in Court with a parent or guardian. Information regarding juvenile procedures.

Traffic Citation Options

Defendants receiving a traffic citation may be eligible for the following options –

Driving Safety Course- Eligible defendants qualifying for the driving safety course must submit payment and all completed forms no later than their given Court date. The required driver record may also by requested online at www.texas.gov. Defendants should not complete a driving safety course until the Court has granted them permission to do so.

Deferred Disposition (Probation) – Eligible defendants qualifying for deferred disposition must submit payment and a completed Deferred Disposition Request Form no later than their given Court date.

Appearance Date

You must make an initial appearance in person or by mail or attorney representation, on or before the appearance date listed on your citation.

Compliance Dismissals

You may also have certain vehicle equipment/registration/drivers license offenses dismissed with proof of compliance and payment of a dismissal fee. See Dismissal information.

Reset Court Date – Eligible defendants may reset their original Court date one time per calendar year. Defendants should submit a completed Reset Form no later than their given Court date.

Municipal Court Payments

Court payments may be made in person, by mail, or after hours by using the drop box located in front of City Hall to the left of the front door of the building. The City accepts, money order, cashier’s check, and credit card payments. Defendants paying for only one of multiple violations must appear for any remaining violations. Please make all check or money order payments payable to the City of Karnes City, and do not send cash through the mail. Personal checks are not accepted for fine payments

Warrants

For information on active warrants, contact the office at 830-780-3097.

Prosecution of 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. In many cases, the court may grant deferred disposition or driver safety course to avoid a conviction on ones driving record.

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.

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 that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) deny renewal of your Texas driver’s license for your 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 any and all outstanding violations.

Presiding Municipal Court Judge
Roselee Bailey
Municipal Court

Phone: 830-780-3097
Fax: 830-780-2227