FAQs • Port Arthur, TX • CivicEngage

Why do I have to pay court cost?: Court costs and fees are required by the State Legislature and City Council. The court is required to collect them.

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Municipal Court

1. What forms of payments are accepted?: Municipal Court accepts cash, cashier's check, money orders and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover)

2. May I request an extension to pay my fines and fees?: Yes, you may request additional time to pay your fines and fees. You must appear before the judge in person on or before your scheduled court appearance date to make that request or complete a plea form and return to the clerk’s window no later than your court appearance date or by mail with a request for additional time to pay postmarked no later than your scheduled court appearance date.

3. Why am I not eligible to request the driving safety course?: Defendants with one or more of the following are ineligible for the driving safety course:
• Plea of Not Guilty
• Has a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense
• Has an invalid Texas Driver’s License or a valid/invalid license from another state
• Has invalid proof of financial responsibility (insurance) on the date and time of the offense and the date of request
• Speeding 25 miles or more above the posted speed limit
• Speeding 95 miles per hour or more
• Cited for Failure to Stop for School Bus While Loading and Unloading
• Offense occurred in a Construction Zone when workers are present
• Failure to Stop and Render Aid in an Accident
• Leaving Scene of Accident Causing Serious Damage
• Completion of a Driving Safety Course within the last 12 months from the date of the new citation
• Currently enrolled in a Driving Safety Course for another violation or court

4. Once I complete the driving safety course what must be returned to the court?: You must return to the clerk’s window or by mail no later than the completion date:
• Original signed driving safety course completion certificate
• Original driving record history from Texas Department of Public Safety

5. How will a conviction affect me?: Criminal convictions may result in any of the following based on your circumstances:
•Loss of driver license
•Surcharges assessed by the Department of Public Safety
•Increased insurance costs or cancellation
•Loss of job
•Loss of educational opportunities
•May affect immigration status

6. If I have warrants will I be arrested when I appear in court?: You will not be arrested at the court. The City of Port Arthur Municipal Court is considered a “Safe Harbor” and no defendant will be arrested due to outstanding local (Port Arthur Municipal Court) warrants when they appear before the court.

7. What do I need to do to keep a case off my record?: Successfully complete a Driving Safety Course (if eligible).
Successfully complete a Deferred Disposition, similar to probation (if eligible).
Have case dismissed by showing appropriate proof of compliance (if eligible)
Not guilty verdict at a trial

8. Why do I have to pay court cost?: Court costs and fees are required by the State Legislature and City Council. The court is required to collect them.