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Deferred Disposition (Probation)
Deferred Disposition, often referred to as probation, is an option for individuals facing certain traffic violations or offenses. It provides an opportunity to have your case dismissed. By successfully completing the terms set by the court, you prevent a conviction from being added to your record.
For more detailed information and to learn how Deferred Disposition could apply to your situation, continue reading below.
There are four ways in which you can request Deferred Disposition:
- In-Person before the prosecutor/judge.
Check-in before 9am, Tuesday - Friday on or before your court date to see the prosecutor to make this request.
- Window Deferral Request at our clerk windows.
- Visit the court clerk windows any Monday-Friday between our business hours of 8am - 5pm. You will be asked to complete the Deferred Disposition Request Form, present a copy of your current auto insurance ID card and a valid Texas driver's license.
- By mail.
- You may mail the Deferred Disposition Request Form, a copy of your current auto insurance ID card and a copy of your valid Texas driver's license along with your payment in the form of check or money order to Sugar Land Municipal Court P.O. Box 110, Sugar Land, Tx. 77487.
- By drop box.
- You may drop off your request off at our drop box located on the right hand front side of the building, at the end of the sidewalk. In an envelope, place the Deferred Disposition Request Form, a copy of your current auto insurance ID card and a copy of your valid Texas driver's license along with your payment in the form of check or money order to Sugar Land Municipal Court.
For window, mail and drop box options: You must refer to the cost and probation schedules for payment information.
Eligibility Requirements
A person is eligible to have a case dismissed by successfully completing deferred disposition under this standing order if:
- The person was 17 years of age or older at the time of the violation and charged with a moving traffic violation.
- The request is made before the appearance date on the original citation or notice to appear, or before any date to which that initial appearance date has been extended or reset, or at any time before a warrant is issued for the defendant’s arrest based upon an alleged failure to appear at a scheduled date.
- The person holds a valid (eligible) Texas driver’s license or permit or is a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member of the United States military forces serving active duty; AND
- The person provides evidence of financial responsibility as required by Chapter 601, Texas Transportation Code, that is presently in place and effective.
Window Deferred
This option allows the defendant to make a request for deferred disposition at the clerk's window without a court appearance. In addition to the above requirements, to qualify for window deferral, the defendant must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements for deferred
- Submit a sworn, written request for deferred disposition at any time before a warrant has been issued in the case.
- Provide proof of financial responsibility as required by Chapter 601, Texas Transportation Code, that is valid and in effect at the time of the request.
- Pay the applicable court costs; and
- Post a bond in the amount of the fine assessed to secure payment of the fine.
Ineligibility
A person is not eligible for deferred disposition under this standing order if:
- The person holds a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or held a CDL at the time of the alleged offense;
- The violation is alleged to have occurred in a construction zone with workers present;
- The person is charge with speeding 25 mile per hour or more over the posted speed limit or charged with driving 95 miles per hour or more regardless of the posted speed limit
- The defendant has been on deferred disposition in this court within the previous 12 months
- The defendant is on deferred disposition in any court at the time of the request.
In all cases involving Deferred Disposition, you will be responsible for paying court costs and fees. Additionally, at the end of your probation period, you must report whether or not you have complied with the court's requirements. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be required to fulfill additional obligations, such as completing a driver's safety course or other court-ordered conditions.
Already on Probation?
Payment Instructions During Probation
If you're currently on probation, you can submit payments using the following methods:
- Check or Money Order:
In person at the Municipal Court, via mail, or through our drop-box. - Cash or Card:
Accepted only in person at the clerk windows.
Please note: Online payments are not accepted for cases on probation.
Reporting Compliance
The most common reason why defendants fail to comply with probation is because they forget to report compliance. Reporting your compliance is an essential part of your probation so please mark your calendar to reflect the probation end date.
To report compliance you will need to either:
- report in-person on the probation end date or
- submit an affidavit of compliance by the due date.
Submitting compliance Documents
Documents for deferral can be submitted in-person at our clerk windows, via document submission portal, mail or drop box.
Important Documents & Schedules
For your convenience, we've provided all the necessary forms and schedules below:
- Current Fee Schedule. These are the related costs and probation information for violations occurring on or after January 1, 2020.
- Compliance Form - This form is to be used at the end of the probation period when your probation period is successfully completed.
- Non-Compliance Form - This form is to be used at the end of probation if you do not meet the conditions of your probation.
Need Help?
If you have questions about your probation or need assistance with forms, please visit the Municipal Court or contact us.