Municipal Court

Quick's Link

Mission Statement

About Us

Rules of Attire and Conduct

Frequently Asked Question

Mission Statement

The Municipal Court of the City of Kingsville function is to the public in an efficient manner with fair and unbiased treatment for all. The Municipal court records citations issued by the Kingsville Police Department, Code Enforcement Officer and the Animal Control Officer. It schedules all court dates, including arraignment, non-jury trials and juvenile trials. The department records and maintains records of community service  given, prepares conviction records and drivers safety course to Department of Public Safety, prepares other complaints, summons, subpoenas, probable cause affidavits and judgments, issues complaints, processes appeals and any other such reports. This court and its judge are dedicated to the preservation, protection and defense of United States Constitution, the Texas Constitution of the laws of the State of Texas.

Please feel free to call the telephone numbers listed if your question is not answered at this site.

About Us

The Municipal Court is comprised of one part time municipal court judge, one full time Municipal Court Manager and two deputy clerks.

For requests which require Court approval and for Juveniles who must appear with a parent or guardian, the hours are 4:00 p.m. on Thursday at City Hall, Municipal Court, 200 E. Kleberg. Office telephone number 361-592-8566.

Traffic citations may be paid in full, or a payment plan can be worked, any time before your appearance date. A court appearance will not be required if you come in at an earlier date.

Rules of Attire and Conduct

Pursuant to Section 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code and Judicial Order of the Municipal Court, City of Kingsville, Texas, the possession of any firearm, illegal knife, club or any other weapon set forth in Section 46.05(a), Texas Penal Code, in the Municipal Court, City Hall Building or any office utilized by Municipal Court is strictly prohibited.

All persons who enter City Hall Building or the Municipal Court are subject to a search of their person and their belongings for weapons. All persons who enter said buildings consent to the search.

Below are listed some rules you need to know in order to properly represent yourself in a court of law.

1. Be on time.

2. Address the court as "Judge" or "Your Honor".

3. Do nothing to disturb or distract the court. Children must not create a disturbance or they will be kept out of the courtroom.

4. Do not approach the bench without permission. Do not lean or rest on the judge's bench.

5. No food or drinks are allowed in the courtroom.

6. Racist, sexist, obscene or profane language or gestures are prohibited unless it pertains to a case and you have to quote from facts in case.

7. Do not crowd the Clerk's bench.  One person at is allowed to stand in front of each clerk.

Unacceptable attire includes, but is not limited to:

1. Shorts and cut-offs.

2. Muscle shirts, clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene or suggestive slogans, depictions or pictures.

3. Hats must be removed before entering the courtroom and while in the courtroom.

4. Clothing that is to tight or too short.

Frequently Asked Question

What is a Failure to Appear Warrant?

•  A telephone call does not constitute an appearance. Any requests for action on a case have to be made in person or in writing before the date you are to appear.  Otherwise, you are in danger of receiving a Failure to Appear Warrant. If you cannot make your appearance date, keep in mind that one continuance is allowed per ticket.

How can payment be made on my ticket?

• Cash will be accepted at the clerks windows. Please do not put cash in the mail. Money Orders, cashier's checks and credit card with Visa or Mastercard Logo are accepted.  You can also pay On-Line at our web site (http://payments.cityofkingsville.com/)

What if I need to make payments? 

• If you meet the desired qualifications, you will be given a payment plan.  Please keep in mind that there is a $25.00 fee for each violation put on the payment plan.  Prompt payment is expected.

Where is my ticket filed? 

• Our court only processes cases originated with the City of Kingsville city limits.

Requirements for Defense Driving Course:

• You are eligible to take the  course for a moving  violation if  you have not taken the class in the last 12 months for dismissal of a traffic citation.  You will need to furnish a current  proof of insurance, Texas Driver's  license  and   pay the  Court Cost.   You will be given 90 days to complete your course.

What if I have an insurance violation?  

• You must submit proof of insurance for the date you received citation for no proof of insurance. Verification will be required from the insurance company as to the time insurance was purchase. If it proves to be valid, the citation will be dismissed.

Can I have an expired motor vehicle inspection and/or expired registration dismissed? 

• The Judge may dismiss the following offenses if corrected within (20) working days of the date you receive ticket. Upon producing a receipt to the court for court for the expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, as long as the time expired does NOT exceed 60 days, this charge may be dismissed with a $20.00 dismissal fee. To have the expired registration dismissed, you must pay a penalty fee to the Motor Vehicle Department and then that charge can also be dismissed with a $20.00 dismissal fee. Failure to pay the penalty fee will result in a conviction and that charge will not be dismissed.

What if I request a trial?

• If you enter a plea of not guilty and request a trail in writing, the court will inform you of the trial date. You may request either a trial by judge or trail by jury.

Please note that  a plea form must accompany any request or disposition for any citation that is received. Proper attire and conduct is court expected and enforced.