Frequently Asked Questions

City of McAllen » Municipal Court » Frequently Asked Questions

My citation says that I can only "appear" to enter my plea either in person or by mail. Why can't I enter my plea by phone?

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure only permits pleas to be entered in person or by mail. "Contacting" the court without entering a plea during your appearance period does not constitute an appearance, and can subject you to additional charges of failure to appear.

I can't pay for my citation all at once; what can I do?

You may set up a "payment plan" by asking to make payments of $100 per month or speaking to the Judge to request lower payments.

My payment order says that I have a payment due on the 18th, but I cannot make the payment until the 19th. What do I do?

All payments must be made before their due dates, unless you have been granted an extension by your due date. The payment orders are orders of the court, and the clerks are unable to accept late payments. If your payment plan becomes delinquent, you are subject to the issuance of a Warrant for your arrest. If you find that you cannot make a payment by its due date, you must speak with the Judge as soon as possible.

I received a citation, and I just want to talk to someone about it. What should I do?

You may speak to the cashiers at the window. Please remember that the cashiers are unable to give you any legal advice. If you feel that you need to speak with the judge, you may tell them that you wish to do so. The court staff and judge can not tell you what to plea.

If I plea "Not Guilty" and request a trial, will I have to pay more if I lose and am found guilty?

It depends. The court does not assess any additional costs or fees against defendants who request a trial. If you are found "Guilty" at the trial, the judge (or jury) will assess your fine with the range prescribed by the law for that offense. For example, the fine range for most traffic offenses is $1-$200; for most criminal offenses $1-$500. State law requires that court costs in a pre-set amount be added to the fine; these are the same court costs that would apply if your charge was paid in person or by mail.

I don't know what to do about my charge. Can the court or its staff help me?

The court staff and the judge can assist you by explaining your options to you, as well as the court's policies and procedures.

What happens if I do not make a plea or ignore my ticket?

If you fail to make a plea for each violation shown on your ticket, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you cannot afford to pay the ticket, come in to request some alternative means of handling it.

I want to speak to the judge about my ticket.

Please see the cashiers to set an appointment to speak with the judge. The judge meets with persons to discuss their tickets with the prosecutor present most afternoons and two Saturdays out of the month.