Defensive Driving Eligibility Requirements

The Jasper Municipal Court allows eligible defendants to request the option of Defensive Driving to dismiss certain moving violations. You must meet all eligibility requirements and follow all instructions provided by the court.

You May Be Eligible for Defensive Driving If:

• You have entered a plea of “No Contest” or “Guilty” and submitted your request to take Defensive Driving on or before the appearance date on your citation.

• You possess a valid, non-commercial driver’s license (not a CDL).

• You have proof of current automobile insurance showing you as a covered driver.

• You have not taken a defensive driving course for a ticket dismissal within the past 12 months, calculated from the date of your previous dismissal to the date of your current citation.

• Your violation was for a moving offense that is eligible for dismissal under Texas law.

• You were not driving 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit.

• You have not already paid the fine, resulting in a final conviction.

You Are NOT Eligible for Defensive Driving If:

• You hold a Commercial Driver License (CDL).

• You were charged with speeding 25 mph or more above the posted limit.

• Your citation involved an accident or incident with property damage or personal injury.

• Your violation occurred in a construction zone with workers present.

• You were cited for passing a school bus.

• Your violation was for failure to remain at an accident scene or other serious offenses.

• You have taken a defensive driving course for dismissal within the past 12 months.

• Your citation is for a non-traffic violation such as code enforcement, animal control, or other city ordinance offenses.

How to Request Defensive Driving

If you meet all eligibility requirements, you must submit your request for Defensive Driving:

• In person at the Jasper Municipal Court Clerk’s Office, or 

Requests must be received on or before the appearance date on your citation.

After approval, you will be given instructions as in the payment of the applicable court costs and administrative fee as well as a deadline (usually 90 days) to complete the course and return your certificate of completion to the Court.

Important Notice

Failure to meet the eligibility requirements or to submit required documents by the due date will result in denial of your request and may lead to a final conviction being entered on your record.

All payments made through the Court are final and non-refundable.

Contact Information

?? Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

?? Phone: (409) 383-6157
?? Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Requesting an Indigency Determination

The Jasper Municipal Court understands that financial hardships can make it difficult for some individuals to pay fines, fees, or court costs. If you are unable to pay due to financial hardship, you may request an indigency determination to have your case reviewed by the Judge.

What Does “Indigent” Mean?

An individual is considered indigent when they do not have sufficient income or resources to pay the full amount of fines and costs without causing undue hardship to themselves or their dependents.

How to Request an Indigency Hearing

If you are unable to pay your citation in full, you must contact the Jasper Municipal Court to request a hearing before the Judge.
You may submit your request:

• In person at the Jasper Municipal Court Clerk’s Office, or

• By mail with a written statement requesting an indigency hearing.

During your hearing, the Judge will review your financial circumstances to determine if you qualify for alternative options.

What to Bring to Your Hearing

You must be prepared to explain and document your financial situation. The Court may request the following types of information or documents:

• Recent pay stubs or proof of income

• Unemployment or disability benefits statements

• Household bills or rent/mortgage payments

• Proof of dependents or childcare expenses

• Any other documents that show your current financial condition

Failure to provide sufficient documentation may result in the Judge denying your indigency request.

Possible Alternatives

If the Court determines you are indigent, the Judge may offer one or more of the following options:

• Payment Plan with smaller installments

• Extension of Time to Pay

• Community Service in lieu of payment 

These options are determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Judge.

Safe Harbor Court

The Jasper Municipal Court is a Safe Harbor Court — meaning you may visit the court at 555 South Main Street to discuss your case without fear of arrest for outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants issued by this court.

Contact Information

?? Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

?? Phone: (409) 383-6157
?? Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Payment Notice:
The Court does not accept Cash App cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or American Express.
Only bank-issued credit or debit cards are accepted.

Requesting a Payment Plan

The Jasper Municipal Court understands that paying fines or court costs in full may create a financial burden. If you are unable to pay the total amount due at once, you may request to set up a payment plan that allows you to make smaller, scheduled payments over time.

How to Request a Payment Plan

A Request for a Payment Plan may be made:

• In person at the Jasper Municipal Court Clerk’s Office, or

• By mail with a written request including your contact information and citation number.

All payment plans must be approved by the Judge or authorized Court personnel. Once approved, you will receive a Payment Agreement that outlines your schedule, due dates, and total amount owed. You must sign and return this agreement to the Court before your plan takes effect.

Available Payment Schedule Options

The Court offers several flexible payment options to meet your financial needs:

• Weekly Payments – Due every 7 days

• Bi-Weekly Payments – Due every 14 days

• Semi-Monthly Payments – Due twice per month (for example, on the 1st and 15th)

• Monthly Payments – Due once per month

You may discuss which payment frequency works best for your situation when setting up your plan.

Payment Methods

Payments may be made:

• In person at the Court Clerk’s Office during normal business hours

• By phone using a bank-issued credit or debit card

• By mail with a money order payable to Jasper Municipal Court

Please Note:
The Court does not accept Cash App cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or American Express.
Only bank-issued credit or debit cards are accepted.

Important Information

• A processing fee of $15.00 will be added to payment plan transactions.

• Missed or late payments may result in additional penalties or a warrant being issued.

• If your financial situation changes and you are unable to maintain your payment schedule, contact the Court immediately to discuss possible adjustments.

Safe Harbor Court

The Jasper Municipal Court is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning individuals may visit the court at 555 South Main Street to discuss or arrange payment plans without fear of arrest for outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants issued by this court.

Contact Information

?? Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

?? Phone: (409) 383-6157
?? Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Community Service Options

The Jasper Municipal Court recognizes that some individuals may not be able to pay fines and court costs due to financial hardship. In certain cases, the Judge may allow you to perform community service instead of paying the total amount owed.

What Is Community Service?

Community service allows you to work off fines and court costs by volunteering your time at an approved non-profit, charitable, or governmental organization.
Each hour of community service is credited toward your balance at a rate set by the Court.

Eligibility for Community Service

You may be eligible for community service if:

• You are unable to pay your fine or court costs due to financial hardship.

• You have requested a hearing before the Judge to explain your situation.

• You are willing and able to perform volunteer work as assigned.

The Judge will review your circumstances and determine if community service is appropriate for your case.

Approved Community Service Locations

Community service must be completed at an organization that meets Court approval.
Examples may include:

• City or county departments 

The Court Clerk will provide you with a list of approved locations and instructions if community service is granted.

Documentation Requirements

You are responsible for submitting written proof of your completed community service hours to the Court.
Your documentation must include:

• The name of the organization,

• The dates and total hours worked, and

• The signature and contact information of a supervisor verifying your work.

Failure to submit documentation by the deadline may result in your case being reopened and additional penalties applied.

Important Information

• Community service hours must be completed by the date ordered by the Judge.

• The Court will not accept handwritten or altered records of service.

• If you are physically unable to perform community service, you may be required to provide medical documentation for review by the Judge.

• Once approved, all agreements are final and must be completed as ordered.

Safe Harbor Court

The Jasper Municipal Court is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning you may visit the court at 555 South Main Street to discuss your options, including community service, without fear of arrest for outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants issued by this court.

Contact Information

?? Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

?? Phone: (409) 383-6157
?? Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Payment Notice:
The Court does not accept Cash App cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or American Express.
Only bank-issued credit or debit cards are accepted.

Requesting a Continuance

All requests for a continuance must be made in writing and submitted to the Court before your scheduled court date.
Your written request should include:

• Your full name and date of birth

• Your citation or case number

• The reason you are requesting a continuance

• Your current contact information

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email to the Court Clerk’s Office.

?? Note: Telephone requests will not be accepted.

Continuance Policy

• Unless you are represented by an attorney, you will be granted only one continuance, and it will be at the Judge’s discretion.

• The Judge may deny a continuance request if insufficient cause is shown or if the request is made after your scheduled court date.

• If your request is approved, you will be notified of your new court date in writing.

Attorney Representation

If you are represented by an attorney, your attorney must file a formal written motion for continuance with the Court.
All motions filed by an attorney must comply with the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure and must be filed prior to your scheduled court appearance.

Failure to Appear

If you do not appear for your scheduled court date and have not been granted a continuance:

• A failure to appear charge may be filed against you,

• A warrant may be issued for your arrest, and

• Additional fees and penalties may apply.

Safe Harbor Court

The Jasper Municipal Court is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning you may visit the court at 555 South Main Street to discuss your citation or case without fear of arrest for outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants issued by this court.

Contact Information

?? Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

?? Phone: (409) 383-6157
?? Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Payment Notice:
The Court does not accept Cash App cards, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or American Express.
Only bank-issued credit or debit cards are accepted.

Court Trial Process: Pre-Trial, Jury Trial & Non-Jury Trial

The Jasper Municipal Court provides defendants with the right to a fair and impartial hearing. Depending on your case, you may be scheduled for a Pre-Trial, a Jury Trial, or a Non-Jury Trial (also known as a Trial by Judge).
Below is an explanation of each proceeding and what you can expect.

?? Pre-Trial Conference

A Pre-Trial is the first step after you enter a plea of Not Guilty.
During this stage:

• You will have the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor about your case.

• You may discuss possible resolutions, such as dismissals, plea agreements, or payment options.

• No witnesses are called, and no testimony is taken.

• If your case cannot be resolved during the Pre-Trial, it will be scheduled for a Trial.

You must appear at your scheduled Pre-Trial unless your appearance has been excused by the Judge.

??‍?? Non-Jury Trial (Trial by Judge)

A Non-Jury Trial, also called a Bench Trial or Trial by Judge, is a formal hearing before the Judge only.
During this proceeding:

• The Judge hears all testimony and evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

• The Judge alone will determine whether you are guilty or not guilty.

• If found guilty, the Judge will decide the fine amount or sentence within the limits of the law.

Many defendants choose a Non-Jury Trial when they prefer a faster process or believe their case can be clearly presented to the Judge.

??‍?? Jury Trial

A Jury Trial allows your case to be decided by a panel of six impartial jurors selected from the community.
During a Jury Trial:

• Both sides present evidence and testimony before the jury.

• The jury must reach a unanimous verdict of guilty or not guilty.

• If you are found guilty, the Judge will then determine the penalty in accordance with Texas law.

You have the right to a Jury Trial on all Class C misdemeanor cases filed in the Jasper Municipal Court.
Jury selection, presentation of evidence, and deliberation procedures follow the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

?? Important Information

• You must appear on your scheduled Pre-Trial or Trial date. Failure to appear may result in additional charges and a warrant for your arrest.

• You may choose to hire an attorney to represent you, but it is not required.

• If you are under 17 years of age, you must appear in court with a parent or legal guardian.

??? Safe Harbor Court

The Jasper Municipal Court is a Safe Harbor Court, meaning you may visit the court at 555 South Main Street to discuss your case without fear of arrest for outstanding Class C misdemeanor warrants issued by this court.

?? Contact the Court

Jasper Municipal Court
555 South Main Street
Jasper, Texas

Phone: (409) 383-6157
Email: jaspercitycourt@jaspertx.org

Payment Notice:
We do not accept Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, or American Express.
Only bank-issued credit or debit cards are accepted.