Making a Court Appearance

Adult Appearances

If you have received a citation (from a peace officer or through the mail along with a court summons) or been released from jail on a personal bond for a Class C misdemeanor, you must decide what to do with the charge pending against you and let the Court know. This is called “entering an appearance.”

• You can appear in person or by mail.
• You cannot appear by telephone or by email.
• For a citation issued by a peace officer, you must appear between 5 and 14 days from the date of the citation.
• If you have received a summons or been released from jail on a personal bond, you must appear on or before the date specified in the summons or bond documents.
• When entering an appearance, you may:
  • Plead not guilty and request a trial setting before a judge or a jury;
  • Plead guilty or no contest to your traffic citation and sign up for a driving safety course, if eligible; or
  • Plead guilty or no contest and make payment arrangements for your citation, including payment in full, payment plans, and payment through community service hours.

Juvenile Appearances

State law requires persons under 17 years of age to answer charges against them by appearing before the judge in open court with a parent or guardian. Persons under 18 years of age must also appear before the judge to answer to alcohol-related citations. The Municipal Court will send a summons to the parent or guardian of the juvenile specifying the date and time that both the juvenile and the parent or guardian must appear in court. If you have questions about the date of your required appearance, please call (940) 761-7880.

Youth Diversion Plan

Effective January 1, 2025, a Youth Diversion Agreement will be offered to juveniles charged with a misdemeanor punishable by fine only other than a traffic offense. Acceptance of the agreement by both the juvenile and parent will result in a legally binding contract and will redirect the juvenile from formal criminal prosecution while holding them accountable and responsible for their actions. Although a formal plea is not required, a plea of guilty or no contest and acknowledgement of the agreement will result in the dismissal of charges by the Judge pending the outcome of the diversion. All progress under the terms of the agreement will be monitored by a Youth Diversion Coordinator. Upon successful completion of the terms of the agreement, the case will be closed. For further information regarding the Youth Diversion Plan, please contact the Court via email to muncourt@wichitafallstx.gov.

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