Appearance

When a defendant makes an appearance in court, the appearance is a formal proceeding. Defendants may make an appearance in person or by attorney in open court, by delivering a plea to the court, or by mail. A Telephone call does not constitute an appearance

Photo identification is required. When you appear in court or at the clerk’s office, you will be required to present your valid driver’s license. If you do not have a driver’s license, you must present some form of photo identification. This procedure is designed to prevent identity fraud and ensure proper reporting to the Department of Public Safety of criminal convictions that may impact your driving privileges. Telephone contact is not an appearance on your citation.

Please do not appear the same day you received the citation. Allow three days from the violation date before contacting the court. A fine is a punishment and the court has an expectation that all fines and court costs will be paid at the time of sentencing.

Juvenile Appearance

Defendants under the age of 17 must appear in open court with a parent or guardian for all proceedings. Marriage removes the disability of minority. Parents of defendants who are younger than 17 years of age and who are married need not be summoned.

“Parent” includes a person standing in parental relation, a managing conservator or a custodian.