Municipal Courts Announce Amnesty Program

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Municipal Courts Announces Amnesty Program

The City of Houston Municipal Courts 2014 Amnesty Program began Friday November and will be available on certain delinquent citations until 9:00 p.m., Monday, November 24, 2014. Court officials are encouraging anyone who has delinquent court matters to take advantage of this opportunity to resolve cases at a discounted rate.
"This is a very limited time frame to save a lot of money, hundreds of dollars in some cases, so please don't delay your decision to act on this great opportunity to resolve your court matters," stated Director and Presiding Judge, Barbara E. Hartle.
Most delinquent traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent on or before November 1, 2014 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts, and individuals must come in person to take advantage of Amnesty discounts. Parking, Red Light Camera citations, and Administrative violations are not eligible for this Amnesty.
Court officials urge people to take advantage of this program because it may be a while before another amnesty is offered.
For more information about City of Houston warrants or citations, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or contact City's Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 if outside the City of Houston.
 
2014 Amnesty Program FAQ's

Why are you doing this?
To resolve cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful.

What kinds of cases are eligible for Amnesty rates?
Most delinquent traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent on or before November 1, 2014 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Parking citations, Red Light Camera citations and Administrative violations are not eligible for Amnesty. Citizens may call 3-1-1 to find out if they have eligible Amnesty cases; however, they must come in person to speak with a judge to resolve their case(s).

What do I do if I have a delinquent parking citation?
Parking citations are not eligible for Amnesty. For additional information or assistance regarding paying your parking citation, please call 311 or 713.837.0311.

How can I find out if I have warrants?
Dial Houston's Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or come in person to the Herbert Gee Courthouse at 1400 Lubbock.

What are my options if I find out that I have warrants?
You may pay the fines at the applicable Amnesty rates if your cases qualify. You may also be able to post a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You always have the option to seek legal advice from an attorney.

If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?
No.  The City Houston Municipal Courts will not arrest individuals who visit our courthouse to inquire about their delinquent cases.  We encourage everyone to come in voluntarily to resolve their cases.

If I want to pay for my delinquent cases/warrants, what are my payment options?
Payment options are as follows:

YOU MUST APPEAR IN PERSON - at the following court location:
?  Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse, 1400 Lubbock, Houston, TX 77002, Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Sat, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.).

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

After I pay, how long will it take to clear my driving record through DPS?
The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department will forward the information to DPS upon payment of your case(s). Please allow 5 to 7 business days for your driving record to clear through DPS.