City of Houston Municipal Courts Department - Requesting Deferred Disposition

Municipal Courts Department

Requesting Deferred Disposition

What is Deferred Disposition?
Deferred Disposition is a suspended sentence. On your plea of guilty or no contest, the court will defer a finding of guilt, assess Court costs, and order that you post a bond and comply with certain conditions. If you successfully comply with the terms, your case will be dismissed, and the bond money will be applied to a special expense fee. If you fail to comply with the terms, a judgment will be imposed, a conviction will be reported to DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety), and the bond money will be applied to the fine.

How do I Request Deferred Disposition?
You may request Deferred Disposition on or before your first court date in person, by phone, or by mail. If the offense is a traffic offense classified as a moving violation and the defendant is younger than 25 years of age, then the judge shall require as a condition of deferred disposition that the defendant complete a driver safety course.

In Person – If you opt to request Deferred in person prior to your court date, you may appear before the Annex Judge with the following:

Drivers License (CDL holders are not eligible)
Current proof of vehicle insurance
Cash, check, or credit card to post a bond in the amount set by the court

Deferred Disposition requests will not be accepted by mail or email for the following ineligible criteria; you must appear in person:

26 miles or more over the posted speed limit
Commercial Driver’s License [CDL] holder
Passing a School Bus
No Liability Auto Insurance
Traffic violations that occur in construction zones with workers present
Non-Traffic Cases
Juvenile (must appear in person with a parent or guardian)

Deferred Disposition Request by Mail or Email
If the above ineligible criteria does not pertain to you; you can apply for Deferred Disposition via mail or email.
Deferred Disposition Application Requirements:
**Must be submitted on or before your arraignment court date to avoid a Failure to Appear Warrant

Completed and signed Deferred Disposition Application (.pdf)
Copy of your Texas Driver’s License [valid at time of application, front-side only]

Commercial Driver License holders not eligible

Copy of Auto Insurance [valid at time of application and list you as insured]
Deferred Cost and Bond:

$243.90 each non-accident traffic case
$258.90 each non-accident speeding 14 miles or less than the posted speed limit
$288.90 each non-accident speeding 15 miles to 25 miles over the posted speed limit
$283.90 each non-accident school zone case
$308.90 each accident case
Check, Cashier Check, Money Order [Payable to: City of Houston Municipal Courts] or Credit Card*.

Mail:

Email:

City of Houston Municipal Courts
P.O. Box 4996
Houston, Texas 77210-4996

mcd@houstontx.gov

*credit card payment will be obtained via phone