FAQs • Midland, TX • CivicEngage

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate at Municipal Court?: No. Please contact the Midland County Courthouse for information.
Midland County Courthouse

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Municipal Court

1. Can I get a copy of my birth certificate at Municipal Court?: No. Please contact the Midland County Courthouse for information.
Midland County Courthouse

2. When is my court date?: An appearance is required to be made within 14 calendar days from the date your citation was issued. Your appearance should be made in person or by mail. You cannot enter an appearance by phone.

3. Can I get an extension to appear over the phone?: No. Your request must be made in person or by mail.

4. Can I enter my plea by phone?: No. You must enter your plea in person or by mail. If you enter your plea by mail, be sure that you enter your plea to each charge individually.

5. I am 16 years old or younger, do I have to appear before the Judge?: Yes. Texas State Law requires persons who are 16 years of age or younger to appear in open court before a judge with a parent or legal guardian.

6. I am under the age of 21 and have been charged with an alcohol related offense. Do I have to appear before a Judge?: Yes. Texas State Law requires that you appear before a judge in open court. If you are under the age of 18, you must appear with a parent or legal guardian.

7. I am under the age of 18 and have been charged with a tobacco related offense. Do I have to appear before a Judge?: Yes. Texas State Law requires that you appear before a judge in open court. You must appear with a parent or legal guardian.

8. How can I speak to a Judge?: You must appear during an arraignment session. No appointment is necessary. You should check in at least 15 minutes early at the cashier window. Be prepared to present your ID. No shorts are allowed in the courtroom.

9. Is the Municipal Court closed during the lunch hour?: No. Clerks are available to assist you during business hours.

10. Am I required to have an attorney represent me?: No. You may have an attorney represent you if you desire, but this is not required. Most defendants in Municipal Court do not use attorneys.

11. Will the Municipal Court appoint an attorney for me?: No. If you would like to consult with attorney, it will be your responsibility to do so.

12. Can my spouse, relative or employer take care of my ticket for me?: No. Texas State Law requires that you enter a plea on your own behalf.

13. What is the difference between a plea of "no contest" and "guilty"?: For the Municipal Court, a criminal court, there is really no difference. A plea of "no contest" cannot be used against you in a civil court.

14. What happens if I contest a charge?: You will be set for trial. You have the right to have a jury trial by six persons of this community. You may waive this option and have the case heard by a Municipal Judge. A judge or jury will determine the verdict of each case set for trial based on the merits of each individual case. If you do not wish to have a trial, you will need to enter a plea of "no contest" or "guilty".

15. What is the standard fine amount assessed?: Cases heard in Municipal Court are Class C misdemeanors. In most cases the fine cannot exceed $500 plus court costs. However, in some cases the fine can be as much as $2,000.

16. What forms of payment do you accept?: You may pay your fine with cash, a cashier's check or money order. You may also pay your fine with a personal check, debit card or credit card as long as it reflects your name. If you are under the age of 18, we will accept a check, debit card or credit card from your parent. The parent must be available to sign the check or debit/credit card slip. If you are on warrant, you must pay with cash or money order.

17. Can I make a payment over the phone?: No. You may make your payment at the cashier window during business hours. You may also mail your payment. A Night deposit is available 24 hours and is located at the back door of the Municipal Court building. Some citations may be paid online.