NO. If you want to discuss the case, you cannot speak to the Judge before the hearing. With very limited exceptions, all parties, or the attorneys, must be present when anything is stated to the Judge about the case. If your intention is to reschedule you may try contacting the court clerk who can contact the appropriate subjects.
If your intention is to ask for an extension or continuance you will need to appear before the judge.
Most actions listed above will generally have to be approved by the opposing counsel and the judge, but if you have a reasonable excuse, it often will be approved. If you fail to show for a court date without legal approval a charge for failure to appear may be
filed along with warrants.
You may not have to see the judge. Many citation-related tasks can be handled by the court clerk by appearing at the Court window at City Hall. You can also take care of most of the court-related
tasks by mail or online. If you are unable to determine if you have to see the judge call the court clerk. Some violations do require a mandatory hearing with the judge.
For example:
Please read your citation carefully.
Many of your options require you to prepare BEFORE your appearance date. Waiting until you are standing before the judge may be too late to exercise your options. Some options are simple, they are compliance dismissals granted by the State and approved by the municipal court judge.
The date to contact the court is on the citation. It is usually within 10 days of receiving the citation. AGAIN, DON’T WAIT, call and see if you are eligible for one of these options. The Municipal Court Number is (830) 693-3830.
If you have previously plead not guilty you will be set for a pre-trial hearing. This hearing will be held at the Cottonwood Shores Civic Center, located at 4111 Cottonwood Drive, Cottonwood Shores.
Pre-trial hearings are normally scheduled on the 4th Tuesday of the month. You will be sent a letter notifying you of the hearing, date and time. Failure to appear may result in additional charges being files.
When you receive a citation you will be scheduled for an arraignment before the court. You will be given an option to discuss your citation with the prosecutor prior to court. If you decide to contest the charge you will have to go before the judge and enter a plea. Upon entering a plea you will be scheduled for a pre-trial hearing.
Court “costs” are fees that are paid to the State of Texas and are not the same thing as your fine. You will be charged court costs whether or not you appear before the judge. Court costs vary depending upon the type of citation received. Only the Judge can change court costs.
Check your summons to be sure you are called for the COTTONWOOD SHORES MUNICIPAL COURT as there are several courts in Burnet County.
