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1. I plead not guilty, now what?

The court will notify you of your pre-trial date. On the day of pre-trial, you will come in to discuss your circumstances with the Assistant County Attorney. The docket call for all defendants will be on a first come, first served basis. You may request an excuse letter from the court for work or school. If after meeting with the Assistant County Attorney you choose to continue to trial, you will request a trial by judge or jury and we will notify you of your trial date.

On Trial Day

On trial day, you should arrive with all materials and witnesses necessary to prove your case in court. The number of trials on the docket and the amount of time a jury deliberates is just a couple of the factors in determining how long you will be at the courthouse. The docket can run as late as 5 p.m. You should plan your day accordingly. We will have excuse letters for work and school available upon request. 

Guilty Verdict

In the event that you are found guilty, be prepared to pay your fine and court cost (if found guilty by a jury, your fine amount may be more or less than the original fine). We accept cash and money orders.

2. How should I dress for court?

Out of respect for the court, please dress as if you were attending a job interview.

3. How can I pay a fine? Does the court accept personal checks?

The Court does not take personal checks or credit cards for payment of fines, but accepts cashier's checks or money orders only. Cash should not be mailed.

You can pay with a credit card or debit card over the phone at 800-272-9829 code 6627 or online at Official Payments. You will need to enter jurisdiction code 6627 over the phone and on the internet. Please call the court prior to using this method, as you will need the citation number(s) and the exact amount of your fine(s).

4. There is a hold on my Driver’s License. When will it be released?

You will need to pay your outstanding ticket(s) in order to lift the hold. After paying with a money order or cash, please allow the state 3 working days to take you out of their system. If you pay over the internet or over the phone with credit/debit card, please allow up to two weeks for the hold to be lifted.

5. What precinct am I in? Which office do I contact?

To determine your precinct number, or the precinct of the person you are trying to file suit against, please contact Wise County Elections Department at 940-626-4453.

Citation

If you've received a citation from the Sheriff's Office, look at the bottom for the appropriate office to contact. If you received a citation from the Department of Public Safety, look inside the box in the center of your citation for the appropriate office to contact. 

Notice of a Lawsuit

If you received notice of a lawsuit, the petition tells you which office to contact.

6. What happens if I miss an appearance date?

Appear as soon as possible otherwise a warrant will be issued for your arrest on added charges.

7. Is a phone call equal to an appearance? Can I make arrangements by phone?

No. You must either come to the Justice of the Peace office in person or enter your plea and pay your fine by mail. A plea sheet is available in the main menu options.

8. How do I know where to file suit?

Generally, defendant must be served in precinct in which they live. There are special rules allowing exceptions in the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code, Texas Property Code, and the Texas Rule of Court.

9. What must I bring to court?

Bring all documentation or witnesses you believe are necessary to prove your case. It is the responsibility of the plaintiff to prove the case was filed. Court is not responsible for copying your documents. Please provide a copy for the court and the other parties in the suit at the time of trial.