Court & Detention Services - Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get information on an arrest warrant?

You may call the automated system , (214) 670-0109, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.   In order to speak to a  Customer Service Representative please call Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

I missed my court date. What are my options?

You have the following options available: 1) You can pay the fine; 2) you can post a cash bond usually in the amount of the fine, and request that the case can be set for trial or 3) you can hire an attorney.

I was placed on Part-Pay or Work Release/Community Service and I defaulted on the agreement.  How can I get reinstated?

Judicial authorization is required for reinstatement.

Can  you tell me  date and time of my Court setting?

You may obtain this information from Court and Detention Services at (214) 670-0109.

Do I have to pay for parking at 2014 Main Street?

Yes, there is paid parking provided by independent owners not affiliated with the City of Dallas. (See parking on this website.)

I have a court date today.  Can I come in and pay my ticket before my court appearance?

Yes.

My deadline has passed to complete, return certificate, or obtain driver's record from the Department of Public Safety for the Driver Safety Course.  What do I need to do?

You can pay your fine.

Someone was issued a ticket and used my name, how can I get this corrected?

You will need to attend trial or file the appropriate motion.

What if I pay for my citation and not pay the $30.00 DPS fee?

Your case will be cleared, but the DPS hold will remain until paid.

I received a DPS letter, but it could not be me. What are my options?

Attend trial or file the appropriate motion.

The Dallas Police Department says I may bring my insurance card to have my Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility citation dismissed. Is that correct?

This type of citation may be dismissed by a Judge and is not handled at the window. You must provide the Prosecutor the declaration page of your insurance policy. An Insurance card is not sufficient.

What are the differences between choosing a Driver Safety Course and Deferred Disposition for dismissing a citation?

• Plea “Guilty” or “NC”

Court Program	Probation	Costs	Requirements
Defensive Driving	N/A	$112.10 $137.10 in school zone	Must plea “guilty” or “no contest”; Documents are required; Driving Safety Course certification, Driving record and an Affidavit. However show cause required if conditions are not met.
Deferred Disposition	6 months	Deferred Fee	Some documents may be required. However show cause required if conditions not met.

What is the difference between “Guilty” and “No Contest”?

If a defendant pleads "no contest" to the charges, that verdict cannot be used against the person if a civil suit is filed later. It is not an admission of guilt.

May I request a Driver Safety Course for a non-moving violation?

No (Non-moving violations examples: Seatbelt, no insurance, no driver’s license, expired inspection sticker, expired registration sticker, defective light).

How do I request a Driver Safety Course?

If you have not participated in a driver safety course to satisfy a moving violation within the preceding twelve (12) months, you may request this option by mail, by submitting the following three documents within 21 days of receiving the citation. (Postmark is honored):

1. Photocopy of a Valid Texas Driver's License
2. Photocopy of Proof of Current Financial Responsibility (Insurance)
3. Pay the administrative fee with a check or money order, payable to the City of Dallas, for $112.10 or $137.10, if you are cited for speeding in a school zone. Please remember to write your citation number on your check or money order to ensure proper processing.

Mail to:

Court & Detention Services 2014 Main, Room 105 Dallas, Texas 75201

Or, bring your documentation "in person" to 2014 Main, 1st Floor.

If I received a Class C Misdemeanor citation from the City of Dallas, what do I do?

If within 21 calendar days of being issued, you have the following options:

• Pay the fine
1. Online: visit website at http://www.dallascityhall.com and pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
2. Pay by mail: Mail payment to Dallas Municipal Court
   
   2014 Main, Room 105
   Dallas, Texas 75201
   
   
3. Pay in person at:
1. 2014 Main Street (Hours of operation are: 7:30 am until 4:30 pm Monday-Friday and 8:00 am until 12:00 pm Saturday)
• Plea of “guilty” or “no contest” and waive my right to a trial by jury or Judge and elect to pay the fine, or

If after 21 days, your options are:

• Post a bond for a court date, or
• Hire an attorney
• File the appropriate motion

If I have a warrant, will I get arrested when I go pay?

No, we do not have arresting officers at our location waiting for anyone. If you see uniformed personnel, they are either there as bailiffs, or called to appear in court.

I need information regarding a County, Federal, or Department of Public Safety Office citation.

County Information is (214) 761-9025

Federal Information is 1-800-688-9889

Department of Public Safety, 1500 Marilla Street, (214) 651-1859

I received a letter from Department of Public Safety regarding the suspension of my driver's license.  How can I get this corrected?

You will need to contact the local DPS office for further information or the person whom sent you the letter.

How can I request a Payment Plan?

• You must be at least 18 years of age and appear in person at the Municipal Court Building at 2014 Main Street and complete the application form with acceptable photo identification (See acceptable forms of ID below).
• Application must include personal information plus two personal references including name, addresses and contact phone numbers.
• You must be prepared to pay 30% down and thereafter make 3 monthly payments each month to satisfy the entire balance within 90 days.
• An additional $25.00 fee will be assessed on each citation if the full payment amount of the citation is not received within the first 30 days of the payment contract agreement.
• Payment can be made at the Customer Service Windows located at Court and Detention Services, Municipal Building, 2014 Main Street, 1st floor or by mail.

What identification documents are required for a Payment Plan Agreement?

• Valid Texas or Out of State Driver's License
• Mexican Driver's License or Matrícula Consular
• Valid Texas or Out of State Identification
• Military Identification
• Current U.S. University Identification (Colleges), etc.
• Passport
• Immigration Resident
• Mexican Voter Registration
• Texas Department of Corrections Parolee Card
• Current U.S. Government Issued Identification
• Concealed Handgun License

What is a Scofflaw?

Scofflaw Brochure (PDF, in English and en español)

A freeze on the auto registration of those who owe a city and/or county money for a fine or fee that is past due.

What do I do if my court date is two months away and I need my registration immediately?

Pay your fine in full.

What other options do I have to get my registration if I am paying my ticket out on a payment plan?

Pay your fine in full.

If someone else received a ticket in my vehicle, am I affected by Scofflaw?

No, the information on the license plate identified in the citation must match the current TXDOT vehicle registration records for the person receiving the citation.

How do I clear a Scoff if I did not pay my fine, but instead did a work program approved by the court?

Bring your signed Work Program paperwork showing the completion of your hours of service and we can issue a clearance letter for the Scoff.

How is a Scoff cleared?

Citation(s) will have to be in final disposition, either paid in full or work service completed. The defendant may then go to Room 104 to receive Scofflaw Clearance Letter, which can then be taken to a County Tax Office.

Can I take a clearance letter to a location other than the County Tax Office, like a grocery store, to get my registration sticker?

No, you must go to a County Tax Office.

What is a Pretrial?

Pro se (not represented by an attorney) defendants will first be asked if they wish to set the case for a trial or discuss the case with the prosecutor for a possible resolution. (See court programs page)