Court Frequently Asked Questions

I have a court date, and I can not make it. How can I reschedule it​?

  • Request a pre-trial, trial, or hearing reset in person at the Court or by mail with photo identification. Phone, email, fax, or live chat are not valid options. ​
  • File a motion with the Court. You may file a motion in person at the Court or by mail, with photo identification. Phone, email, fax, or live chat are not valid options.​
  • This request needs to be made at least one (1) day before the day of the pre-trial, trial, or hearing. A cash bond in the amount of the citation may ​be required to reset a pre-trial, trial, or hearing date.​

I missed my court date. What can I do now?

  • Go to the Walk-In Court Address and a Map to the City of Dallas Municipal Court (2014 Main Street, Dallas, TX 7​5201​).
  • Post a cash bond for the citation amount to get a new court date.
  • File a motion with the Court. 
  • Pay in full.
  • Request a payment plan.
  • Hire an attorney.

The Court mailed me a Show Cause hearing notice. What is that?

  • Failure to Comply with Terms of the Agreement:
  • If you fail to meet the requirements of an order set by the Judge, the Court will set your case for a show cause hearing and will mail a hearing notice to the last known address on file. The show cause hearing allows you to speak with a Judge about why you failed to meet the requirement(s).  
  • If you fail to appear, fail to comply, or fail to give a satisfactory explanation at a hearing before the Judge, the Court will report a conviction to the Department of Public Safety as required by law. Depending on the citation status, the Court may issue a warrant.

Can a Show Cause hearing be rescheduled​?

  • Show Cause hearings cannot be rescheduled.​

Can the Court recommend an attorney to hire to handle a citation​?

  • No, the Court cannot recommend an attorney. The Court provides a Self-Help Resources page for review. 
  • If you have hired an attorney to represent you on the citation(s), the Court will communicate all matters through the attorney. Contact the attorney's office for advisement or the status of your citation(s). 
  • Keep in contact with the attorney's office about court dates, payments, or programs that are due. You can also look online under the Citation Search​ to review dates and times.
  • A request to change something the attorney has set up for you (due dates, amounts, or programs) must go through that attorney's office.

I made the wrong plea or requested the wrong program. How can I change it?

  • You may request a change of program, plea, or Judge's order by mail or in person at the Court with photo ID. You may not request changes by phone, email, fax, or live chat​.

​ I want to file a motion with the Court. How do I do that?

  • The Court cannot give legal advice on how to prepare a motion. The Court provides a Self-Help Resources page for review.
  • You may consult with an attorney about legal issues.​
  • You may file a motion in person at the Court or by mail, with photo identification. Phone, email, fax, or live chat are not valid options.
  • A pre-trial hearing will be conducted pursuant to Article 28.01 of the C.C.P.; therefore, you must file all pre-trial motions in writing at least seven days before the pre-trial date. You must provide three (3) copies of the paperwork and deliver one to the windows, one to the prosecution office, and one to the judiciary. 
  • All motions will be reviewed and ruled upon by the Judge at the scheduled hearing.

​​What if I need a translator for Court?​

  • The Court provides Spanish interpreters for those who need one. 
  • If you need an interpreter for a language other than Spanish, fill out the Contact Information Form​. Complete the translator section and be specific about what you are requesting. Bring the form to the Court or mail it before the hearing date. You may not request a reset by phone, email, fax, or live chat.​​

​ For all requests by mail: 

  • The Court uses the postmark date on the letter (stamped by the postal service) as the received date. Certified mail is recommended but not required.
  • When you request by mail, please note this is a REQUEST ONLY. The Court will respond by mail within 5-7 business days and will use the address listed on the Contact Information Form. Some requests may take longer to process (4-6 weeks). You can keep track of the citation(s) online under the Citation Search​. We also offer Walk-In court​ hours so you can speak with a judge in person.

To review Citation(s), Status, or Balances. Example: (C12345678​ Do not enter the dash). If the citation(s) are in Warrants, they will appear in red.


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