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Respond to a Citation
What are my options?
You have several options. Appearance in court is your right, but it is not necessary. You can handle your ticket online or at the court lobby windows. Your options are as follows:
- You can keep a ticket off your record.
- There are three ways to do this:
- You may qualify to take a driver’s safety course.
- You may request a Deferred Disposition (probation).
- You may be eligible for a compliance dismissal.
- There are three ways to do this:
- You can pay the fine.
- There are three ways to do this:
- You may request an extension.
- You may establish a payment plan
- You may discharge the fine through community service.
- There are three ways to do this:
- You can contest the ticket and go to court.
Ticket Payment Options
Fines and payments owed to the Sugar Land Municipal Court can be settled through a variety of methods. You have the option to pay at the court lobby windows, drop box, online, or by telephone. Alternatively, you may choose to set up a payment plan, request an extension, or fulfill your obligation through community service. Additionally, you can resolve your fines by submitting jail time credit, entering into a deferred disposition or probation, or qualifying for a driving safety course.
Click on the tabs below for a summary of your options.
- Make a Payment
- Online Payments
- Telephone Payments
- Extensions and Payment Plans
- Community Service
- Deferred Disposition
- Driver's Safety Course
Making A Payment
Payments can be made at the court lobby windows, drop box, online, or by telephone.
Important Notices on Paying Your Fine
- If you make a payment on a case with an active warrant over the weekend or after 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, please note that it may take 1-3 days for the warrant removal to be updated in our system. During this time, keep your payment receipt with you.
- By using the payment services to pay your fine, you are considered to have entered a plea of no contest and waived your right to a jury trial, as outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 27.14 (c). This payment will result in a conviction being reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- A convenience fee is assessed on all credit card transactions.
- If you pay your fine before the court date listed on your ticket, your court appearance will be waived.
Online Payments
The online payment service provides a convenient way to handle various court-related payments. You can use this service to pay traffic fines, request an extension, request a payment plan, and pay warrants in full. Additionally, it allows you to request enrollment in a the Driver's Safety Course.
To access the online payment service directly, use the following link: online payment service.
Telephone Payments
You can make payments by telephone using a debit card or credit card through our automated payment processing service. Please be aware that a service processing fee will apply to each transaction.
For your convenience, the phone number for this service is (281) 275-2390.
Note: You will not receive a receipt for payments made through the automated phone system.
The Sugar Land Municipal Court offers extensions and payment plans for settling fees and fines.
Extensions
If you need more time to pay, you can request a one-time 30-day extension. To do so, you must enter a plea and complete the Standard Payment Plan Form, selecting the 30-day extension option.
Payment Plans
To request a payment plan for your fines, you have two options:
1. Standard Payment Plan: This plan requires payments of $100 per month. A one-time mandatory Time Payment Fee, ranging from $15 to $25, will be assessed if the case is not settled within the first 30 days. To enroll, submit the Standard Payment Plan Form and required payment.
2. Approved Ability to Pay Plan: If you cannot afford $100 monthly, you may apply for a lower payment by completing the Statement of Ability to Pay/Financial Information Form and providing supporting financial documents. After review, the Court will conduct an interview to determine your payment ability.
See more information on the process for requesting extensions and payment plans.
Community Service
Community service can be used as an alternative to payment for fines if approved by the Judge. Before you begin any community service, you must obtain prior approval.
Our court requires that community service be performed at one of our preapproved 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. To request to serve at an alternate location not already preapproved by the court, you must complete the Request for Alternative Community Service Location Form. All requests for alternate agencies are subject to approval.
Learn more about Community Service.
Note: Community service must be pre-approved, before you perform your service.
Deferred Disposition (Probation)
Deferred disposition (or probation) can help avoid a conviction on your driving record. To request this option, complete the Deferred Disposition Request Form and submit the form to the court either in person, by mail or drop box.
While on probation, payments must be made via check or money order either in person, by mail, or using the drop-box. Payments can also be made in cash or by card at the clerk windows. Online payments are not accepted for probation cases.
Learn more about and how to request a deferred disposition/probation.
Driver’s Safety Course
To keep a citation off your record, you may be eligible to apply for a driver’s safety course.
For detailed information on requesting Driver's Safety Course, including eligibility, and requirements, please visit our Driver’s Safety Course.