Under certain conditions, law enforcement officers may elect to issue a citation to a person being charged with committing an offense that is a Class A or B misdemeanor. The citation contains written notice of the time and place the person must appear before a magistrate.

A person receiving such a citation must appear in court on the date and time indicated on the citation. On that court date, the person will be fingerprinted, complete a financial questionnaire, be advised of their rights under TCCP Article 157.17, and can have the opportunity to request a court appointed attorney.