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Finance - Court

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1. Can I take Defensive Driving to have my ticket dismissed?

It must be a moving violation and you must be elibible to take the defensive driving class.

2. How do I know if I am eligible to take defensive driving?

If none of the following pertain to you, you will be eligible to take Defensive Driving:

Person's holding a commercial driver's license at time of offense; non Texas driver's license; speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit; committing a traffic offense in a construction zone when workers are present; passing a school bus loading or unloading children; if you have taken the class for another ticket dismissal within a year or you are currently taking the class for another ticket dismissal.

3. How long do I have to take the defensive driving class?

You have 90 days from the date you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC) and sign the affidavit.

4. What are the requirements to take a defensive driving class?

1. Come to the Court Clerk window on
or before your court date to request the Driving Safety Course or you may appear on your court date before the judge.
2. Plead guilty or nolo contendere(No Contest) and waive a jury trial;
3. Pay court costs in the amount of $107.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then pay court costs in the amount of $132.00.
4. Present to the court a valid Texas Drivers license or permit;
5. Present to the court proof of financial responsibility in your name (automobile liability insurance)

5. Can I show my proof of insurance at the clerk's window?

NO, you must appear before the judge on your court date.

6. Can I show proof that I have renewed my inspection sticker or registration sticker at the clerk's window?

NO, if you have renewed your stickers you will have to appear in court on your court date before the judge and present him with proof that your stickers have been renewed.

7. How do I reset my court date?

All court date resets must be done in person.

8. Can I reset my court date the same day I have court?

NO, all resets must be done prior to the court date.

9. If I have a trial date can I reset my court date?

To reset a trial date you must post a cash bond in the amount of the citation.

10. Can I reset my court date over the phone?

NO, all court dates must be reset in person, if you are attending court for the first time and have an arraignment date, the reset will be for one week and one time only. If you need more time, you must attend court on the given court date and talk to the judge about a later date.

11. When do I have to pay the court costs?

When you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC), you must pay the court costs at that time, if you are unable to pay the DSC you will have to appear in court before the judge.

12. Can I be placed on a payment plan?

In order to be placed on a payment plan, you must appear in court on your court date before the judge.

13. Can I be placed on a payment plan on a warrant?

NO, all warrants must be paid in full.

14. Can I make a payment over the phone or on line?

Yes the City accepts payment both over the phone and online. More...

15. Will I have to pay a fine if I have renewed my stickers?

That will be up to the judge. They look at how long the sticker was expired and how long it took you to get them renewed, if the charge is not dismissed with a fee, the judge might reduce the fine.

16. Is there a fee for using a credit card?

YES, there is a $3.00 service fee when you use a VISA or MASTERCARD.

17. What credit cards do you accept?

Visa and Mastercard only

18. Can I show up to court at anytime?

NO, you must be on the docket. Therefore, you must come in on your court date.

19. Can I pay with someone else's credit card?

If you are going to pay with someone else's credit card the card holder must be present with a Valid ID.

20. Can I enter the court room with my cell phone?

NO, cell phones are not allowed in court room at all - even if they are turned off.

21. Can I pay with someone else's check?

NO, the check must be in the name of the person that received the citation and no temporary checks are accepted.

22. Can I get a marriage license at your office?

NO, marriage licenses must be obtained at Harris County Courthouse. You may contact the Bellaire Library for further information at 713-662-8160.

23. Can I bring a book or newspaper to court?

NO, reading materials are not permitted in the court room.

24. Can I bring my kids to court?

NO, if you bring your kids with you to court, let the baliff know and the judge will see you at the end of the docket.

25. Can I bring my palm pilot to court?

NO, electronic devices are not allowed in the court room.

26. Can I pay my ticket at any court?

NO, if you received a ticket in the City of Bellaire you must come here to pay your ticket

27. Can I be placed on deferred for my ticket?

You must appear in court on your court date and request deferral from the judge.

28. Can I obtain a birth or death certificate at your office?

NO, you must contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics Department of State Health

29. Can I request my driving record on line?

Yes, just make sure to request #3A Texas On Line