FAQs • Chandler, TX • CivicEngage

Do I have to employ an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?: No. You can represent yourself. Municipal Courts are not required by law to appoint you a lawyer but you may retain one yourself. No one other than a lawyer can represent you in court. This applies to parents of juveniles. If you are not an attorney, you cannot represent your child in a trial.

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Municipal Court

1. Can the court or its employees provide me with legal advice on how to handle my citation?: No. Court employees (including the judge) are strictly prohibited by law from providing legal advice to anyone.

2. Do I have to employ an attorney to represent me in Municipal Court?: No. You can represent yourself. Municipal Courts are not required by law to appoint you a lawyer but you may retain one yourself. No one other than a lawyer can represent you in court. This applies to parents of juveniles. If you are not an attorney, you cannot represent your child in a trial.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?: Cash, money order, checks, MasterCard and Visa are accepted unless paying for a warrant. Only cash, money order, MasterCard or Visa will be accepted when paying for a warrant. You may also make payments online at www.chandlertx.com.

4. How do I determine the cost of my ticket?: You were given a letter from Judge Ashley with a Schedule of Acceptable fines on the back. Court cost and fine amounts are listed for several common citations. For citations not listed, call Chandler Municipal Court at (903)849-6853 to determine your ticket amount. Please contact the Municipal Court for general questions regarding the cost of your citation. Please remember that a telephone call does not constitute an appearance.

5. Why do I have to pay court cost if I do not come to court?: Court cost are state mandated and must be paid regardless if you come to court.

6. How long do I have to pay my ticket?: Citations must be paid or other arrangements made such as Defensive Driving, Deferred Adjudication or payment plans by the court date on your citation.

7. Can I pay my fine in installments?: The Court offers a 30-day payment plan for citations. The 30-day payment plan is not available when requesting Defensive Driving or Deferred Adjudication. Payment plans for longer than 30 days must be requested in writing or in person from the judge. A plea of "guilty" or "no contest" must be entered before a payment plan may be granted.

9. I want to tell the judge my story. Will he/she talk to me?: Yes, but only if you enter a plea of "no contest" or "guilty". If a plea of "not guilty" is entered, the judge is not allowed to hear any details of the case until the day of trial. This ensures fairness to both the defendant and the state. Also, all conversations with the judge must be during court. The judge is not allowed to discuss the case outside the courtroom and outside the presence of both parties. The judge cannot take phone calls.

10. Is this ticket going on my driving record?: Generally, all moving violations will appear on your driving record. Some others such as Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility and No Driver's License will appear as well. If you want to keep an offense off of your record, you should request Defensive Driving or Deferred Adjudication if you are eligible. You are not eligible for either if you have a CDL license, an out-of-state license or a valid Texas driver's license. You are also not eligible to take Defensive Driving if you have taken it within the past year.

11. Can I pay online?: Yes. You may choose the Bill Pay option from the website and pay with a debit or credit card.

12. What about surcharges issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety?: For more information on surcharges, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at (800)688-6882.
Texas Department of Public Safety.

13. I received a letter from the Department of Public Safety regarding the suspension of my Driver's license. How do I get this corrected?: You will need to contact the Texas of Public Safety regarding the suspension of your driver's license. Call Tyler DPS at (903)939-6000 or Athens DPS at (903)675-6091.
Texas Department of Public Safety

14. What action may be taken if a defendant fails to respond to a summons to come to court?: If a defendant fails to appear for their court date, an additional charge of "Violation of Written Promise to Appear" will be filed and a warrant shall be issued.

15. I have a warrant for my arrest. Who do I need to speak with?: Any court clerk will be able to assist you and explain your options regarding warrants arising from Chandler Police Department citations. You may speak to a clerk by calling (903)849-6853. The judge cannot accept telephone calls.

16. I was placed on a payment plan and for some reason, I defaulted on the agreement. How can I reinstate the plan?: Payment plans are administered by the court. You will need to contact Chandler Municipal Court at (903)849-6853 to determine your options.

17. I need an extension to pay the fine.: Contact Chandler Municipal Court at (903)849-6853 to determine your options.

18. When is my court date (due date)?: The court date and time is located on your citation. Citations may be paid, Defensive Driving may be requested or 30-day plans issued any time prior to the court date and you will not have to appear in court. Payment plans longer than 30 days and Deferred Adjudication must be requested from the judge.

19. My deadline has passed to complete or return the Defensive Driving certificate and driving record. What do I need to do?: Contact Chandler Municipal Court at (903)849-6853 to determine your options.