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1. Am I eligible for a driving safety course?

You may be eligible for a driving safety course if you were cited for a moving violation. You are not eligible if you were cited for speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted limit, were cited at a speed of 95 miles per hour or more, were cited in a construction zone with workers present, or were cited for passing a school bus. The other eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Have not completed a driving safety course within the last 12 months to have a citation dismissed
• Do not possess a commercial driver's license (CDL)
• Have a valid Texas non-commercial driver's license or proof that you or your spouse are active-duty military
• Have proof of liability auto insurance that lists you as a covered driver
• Must enter a plea of guilty or no contest and waive your right to trial
• Must sign an affidavit swearing that you meet the eligibility requirements
• Must pay court costs plus a $10 administrative fee
  • This fee is due by your appearance date listed on the citation and does not qualify for a payment plan or extension

In order to request approval to complete a driving safety course for your citation you must complete the Plea Form (PDF), have your signature notarized on the form, and mail it to the court with a copy of your driver's license and/or military identification, current proof of insurance, your Type 3A Certified Driving Record, and a money order for the required fees. You may also apply in person or apply online.

2. How can I find out the fine amount for my citation?

You will find a Schedule of Acceptable Fines, however, this is not a complete list of all possible violations and fines. If the fine for your violation is not listed or you are unsure, you may email the Court or call the Court at 254-799-2436 ext. 6282 to request your fine amount. Please be aware that court staff does not have the authority to negotiate the fine amount of your citation.

3. How can I pay my citation?

The majority of citations may be paid online. You may also pay by mailing in a money order or cashier's check with the completed Plea Form provided by the citing officer. You may pay in person with cash, money order, cashier's check, or a credit/debit card. The court does not accept personal checks.

The Court may only accept payment from the defendant if there is no plea or judgment on file. Any payment made by mail that is not accompanied by a signed Plea Form is considered a plea of no contest and waiver of your right to trial.

If you are a juvenile (under the age of 17) you will be required to pay in person or by mail only after you have appeared in court with a legal parent/guardian.

4. How can I request a payment plan?

The standard 4-month payment plan requires a down payment of at least $50 and you must enter a plea of guilty or no contest and waive your right to trial. If you are unable to come to the Court to begin this process in person you will need to submit your request for a payment plan by email and the appropriate forms and instructions will be emailed to you. Please be aware that state law requires the Court to a $15 time payment reimbursement fee to all payment plans that extend the balance more than 30-days. If you require more than 4-months to pay your fines you will need to file an indigent application and be set for a indigent hearing with the judge.

5. May a Bellmead City official or staff member intervene in my case in the Court?

The Bellmead Municipal Court is an independent branch of the municipal government. City officials and/or staff cannot order dismissal of a case, reduction in fees, or increase in fees. City officials and/or staff cannot order the judge to make a certain judgment regarding the outcome of any court cases.

6. May I email the Bellmead Municipal Court questions about my citation?

Yes, please email the court for assistance or questions regarding your citation.

7. May I file a public information request to obtain copies of court records?

The Public Information Act does not apply to Records of the Judiciary. There are two categories of Records of the Judiciary, Judicial Records and Court Case Records, rules of access differ for each category. The Court makes the final determination on whether a specific record is releasable to the person requesting the record based on Rule 12 of Judicial Administration and the various state and federal statutes that apply to specific violations and records. A request to obtain court records must be filed in writing with the court and be very specific as to the records that are being requested. If a record is determined to be releasable then appropriate costs will be applied for the information requested and must paid in full in order to receive the requested record.

8. May I request community service instead of paying my fine?

In order to request community service in the Bellmead Municipal Court, you must fill out an indigent application and be set for an indigent hearing with the judge. If you are unable to begin this process in person you may email the Court to request an indigent application. Community service requests also require you to enter a plea of guilty or no contest and waive your right to trial.

9. May I request the Bellmead Municipal Court to appoint a defense attorney for my case?

The Bellmead Municipal Court does not appoint attorneys, nor can the Court refer you to a specific attorney. You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in court. You may refer to the Texas State Bar Association website to assist in locating an attorney. Your attorney must file a written letter of representation with the court. If you are a juvenile (under the age of 17) and have an attorney representing you in Court, you and your legal parent/guardian must still appear. In certain cases, your attorney may be required to file a surety bond with the court.

Please be aware that a parent of a person age 17 or older may not represent their child in court and that a power of attorney does not allow a person to represent another in court. Only an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Texas can represent a person in court.

10. What constitutes a court appearance?

A telephone call does not constitute a court appearance. Any requests for action on a case must be made in person or writing. Any written request must be signed by the defendant (manually or electronically by typing your full name) and submitted with photo identification, phone number, email, and mailing address. Written requests or correspondence may be submitted in person, by mail at 3015 Bellmead Drive, Bellmead, TX, 76705, or contact by email. Please Note: If you correspond with the Court via email, all future correspondence and official notices from the Court may be delivered to you at the email address used.

11. Where is my citation filed?

The Bellmead Municipal Court generally processes cases originating with the Bellmead Police Department, Animal Control, and Code Enforcement. The Bellmead Municipal Court may also process certain cases originating with the La Vega ISD Police Department. If your citation was issued within the city limits of Bellmead by the McLennan County Sheriff's Department or the DPS, it will not be filed in this court. Please refer to the information provided in your citation regarding the correct agency to contact.