General Appearance Instructions
Individuals must appear in person or represented by their attorney in the Farmers Branch Municipal Court on the court date assigned by the citation or summons. An individual may choose to exercise the option to pay the citation, request drivers safety, request deferred disposition, or dispose of the case with a plea of “no contest” or "guilty" on or before the assigned court date at the Court Clerk’s window. Please allow three to five business days from the receipt of the citation to allow the filing of the case in the Court before contacting the Court Clerk’s Office. Payments in full may be made in person, by mail or credit card via this website.
If an individual wishes to plead "not guilty," they must do so on or before the date and time of the assigned court date.
If an individual wishes to be represented by counsel, their attorney must make a written legal representation before the assigned court date.
A telephone call does not constitute an appearance.
Juveniles, Minors, and Alcohol Violations
Juveniles (under 17 years of age) MUST appear in person with a parent or legal guardian on the court date assigned on the citation or summons. If an individual is under the age of 21 and was cited for an alcohol violation, they MUST appear in court on the date and time assigned on the citation or summons. If an individual is 17 years of age or under and was cited for an alcohol violation, they MUST appear in court with a parent or legal guardian on the court date and time assigned on the citation or summons.
Failure to appear or pay the citation by the court date assigned will cause the incurring of additional fines, fees and costs. The individual may be charged with a separate offense of Failure to Appear, which carries a maximum penalty of $500. A warrant will be issued for the individual’s arrest and may result in the loss of driving and vehicle registration privileges.
Citations - Payment Information
If you wish to plead "guilty" or "no contest," and pay fine and costs/fees, please visit our Payment Information page.
Citations - Deferral of Disposition
The Judge may grant Deferred Disposition for the dismissal of a citation. An individual must appear in person to fill out a written request for Deferred Disposition. If an individual qualifies, they will be required to pay court costs and a special expense fee upon submission of the written request.
If you are under age 25 and requesting Deferred Disposition for a moving violation you will be required by law to complete a Driver's Safety Course as a condition of your deferral.
Deferred Disposition is not an option for holders of a commercial driver's license for moving violations.
For more information on Deferred Disposition please contact the Court Clerk's office for instructions; this option may require a court appearance.
DO NOT attempt to pay for Deferred Disposition online. "Online Payment" program will result in a conviction on your driving record.
Failure to appear or pay the citation by the court date assigned will cause the incurring of additional fines, fees and costs. The individual may be charged with a separate offense of Failure to Appear, which carries a maximum penalty of $500. A warrant will be issued for the individual’s arrest and may result in the loss of driving and vehicle registration privileges.
Citations - Proof Dismissals
Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance)
If an individual receives a citation for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance) and was insured on the date and time the citation was issued, the individual may present proof of financial responsibility to have the citation dismissed.
Insurance proof must contain the following information when submitted:
- Driver's license or a copy if mailed
- The name of the insurer
- The insurance policy number
- The policy period
- The name and address of each insured
- The policy limits or a statement that the coverage of the policy complies with the minimum amounts of motor vehicle liability insurance required by Sec. 601.072 of the Transportation Code
- The make and model of each covered vehicle
- If an individual was operating a car other than their own, they must provide proof with the owner or a copy of the owner's driver's license if mailed
Insurance proof may be presented in person at the Court Clerk's window or by mail.
Expired Registration, Expired Inspection, and Expired Driver’s License
If an individual was cited for Expired Registration, Expired Inspection, or Expired Driver's License they may appear at the Municipal Court Clerk's window on or before the court date assigned on the citation with proof that the violation was remedied within 20 working days from the date of the violations and upon payment of a dismissal fee (the individual must contact the court clerk’s office to find out how much the fee is for the citation). The dismissal fee and proof will be submitted to the judge for dismissal. The dismissal fee and proof of remedy may also be mailed to the court. If an individual chooses to mail documents and payment to the court they must include either a copy of your citation or your name, the citation number, the address and daytime contact phone number.
Failure to appear or pay the citation by the court date assigned will cause the incurring of additional fines, fees and costs. The individual may be charged with a separate offense of Failure to Appear, which carries a maximum penalty of $500. A warrant will be issued for the individual’s arrest and may result in the loss of driving and vehicle registration privileges.
Accident Reports Online
Any accident reports filed since January 1, 2007 are available for purchase online as the department’s preferred method of report distribution. Reports are usually available within five days of the accident. Cost is $6. In order to obtain a report, it is necessary to know the report number of the last name of one of the drivers and report date. For reports prior to 2007, contact the Farmers Branch Police Department Records Division at 972.919.9311 or 972.919.9314.