Tickets/Citations

Justice courts have jurisdiction in Class C misdemeanor cases that are filed by Texas Department of Public Safety, Tarrant County Sheriff, Texas Parks & Wildlife and other various Texas law enforcement agencies.

The Justice of the Peace Pct 5 court will mail you a “Citation filed notice” once your citation is filed with the court.  It will provide you with basic information on how to take care of the citation.

Listed below are options available to you.

Payment in Full

  • The court will accept cash (exact change please), credit/debit card (must have your name pre-printed on card; surcharge of 2.35 percent applies), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:59 p.m..
  • All financial transactions stop at 4:00pm.
  • If you wish to mail payment, please mail a Defendant's Plea and your money order or cashier's check made payable to “Justice of the Peace Pct 5”
  • You may also pay online at www.jpfines.com.
  • A payment in full in person, by mail, or online will result in a conviction.  Please read the additional options you may be eligible for below.
  • For more information, please visit our Justice of the Peace 5 Fees.

Alternative Options to Payment of Fine and Costs

  • You may request a payment plan from the Judge if you are unable to pay the fine in full. 
  • Community service-subject to judge's approval
  • If you receive government assistance, you may be eligible to have part or all of the fine and court costs waived. You must complete the following Statement of Inability to Afford Costs application and attach proof of government assistance for the Judge’s review and/or approval Indigency Affidavit - Justice Court Criminal Case.

Deferred Disposition

You may request Deferred Disposition to have your citation dismissed at the end of the deferral period.  Either the Judge or the Assistant District Attorney will determine if you are granted this option.  If Deferred Disposition is granted you will be assessed court costs, plus an administrative fee which may be equal to or less than the fine amount.  The Deferred Disposition period will be from the minimum of 30 days to the maximum of 180 days.  All fees must be paid in full within 30 days to avoid a collection fee being assessed on your case and to avoid your deferred disposition from being revoked.

If you are under 25 years of age and the offense is a moving violation, you must take a Driving Safety Course.

If you have a provisional license and the offense is a moving violation, you must retake the driving test.

For your citation to be dismissed by Deferred Disposition, you may not have another citation issued to you for the same offense during your deferred period. At the end of your deferral period, and so long as all your fees have been paid in full, your citation will be dismissed. In the event you do have another citation with the same offense, or if you fail to pay the fees within 30 days, you will be sent a Show Cause letter to appear before the Judge. The Judge may then revoke your Deferred Disposition and enter a conviction on your case.

CDL holders are not eligible for deferred disposition.

Driving Safety Course Procedures

  • You may request to take a driving safety course on or before your court date.  The total cost is $144 ($10 driving safety course fee plus $134 court costs) must be paid to the court at time of request.  You will also be required to complete and sign a court prepared Affidavit (sworn statement), Driving Safety Course Request which states you meet the above-listed qualifications. The Affidavit must be notarized if it is mailed in.
  • You must order your Texas Driving Record (Type 3A) from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Your driving record will be available for you to print immediately and must be filed with the court along with your Driving Safety Course Request form.  The driving record will provide verification that you have not had a citation dismissed by taking a Driving Safety Course within twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of the alleged offense.
  • Provide Proof of Financial Responsibility to the Court.  Must be filed with the court along with your Driving Safety Course Request form.
  • You must complete the Texas State Certified Driving Safety Course within 90 days of your request.  After completing the driving safety course, the certificate of completion is available to you to print if you take the course online.  Sign the copy and file it with the court immediately.

Driving Safety Course Qualifications

  • You have a valid Texas driver's license or permit;
  • You are not currently taking nor have you taken a Driving Safety Course to have a citation dismissed within the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of the alleged offense.
  • You were not charged with speeding 95 miles per hours or more.
  • You were not charged with speeding more than 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit or an offense in a construction work maintenance zone when workers present.
  • You were not charged with passing a school bus while loading/unloading children.
  • You were not charged with failing to remain at the scene of a collision involving damage to a vehicle or injury to a person, or failing to render aid or exchange information after such a collision.
  • CDL holders are not eligible

Driver's Safety Course

  • Requires a plea of “Guilty” or “No Contest”
  • Moving violation
  • Valid Texas Driver’s license or Active U.S. Military Service Member/dependent
  • CDL holders are not eligible
  • Must not have taken a DSC in the last 12 months
  • Must have valid Texas Auto Liability Insurance
  • Payment in the amount of $10 Administrative fee and $134 costs totaling $144

Proof of Correction of Violation for Dismissal

  • For certain offenses, you may show proof of correction for dismissal with either a $10 or $20 dismissal fee
  • Please see list of eligible offenses and Dismissal Fees.

Not Guilty Plea with Trial by Judge or Trial by Jury

  • If you enter a plea of not guilty you must state if you are requesting a trial by the Judge or a Jury.  Your case will scheduled for a pre-trial hearing so you may meet with the Tarrant County District Attorney to discuss your case and any offers that may be available to you.
  • It is your responsibility to hire your own attorney if you so desire.
  •  If you request a trial by JURY you will be required to post either a $200 cash bond or a personal bond promising to appear on your scheduled jury trial date.

Documents may be submitted by email: JP5court.tickets@tarrantcountytx.gov.