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Court

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1. How do I appear for court virtually?

Virtual court is held via Zoom. In order to appear for virtual court you must contact the court to provide your email address in order to receive the Zoom virtual court invitation. Invitations are sent out the Friday before the court date. You can email the court at court@southsideplacetx.gov or by phone at 713-668-2341.

When you log into the Zoom virtual court at your scheduled court time, you must set your display name to your full legal name so that the court can pull your file, otherwise your case will be called last. You must be connected with audio in order to hear and speak to the judge and prosecutors. Please also pay attention to your screen for individual invitations to move to a separate breakout room to speak to the prosecutors. 

2. Why didn't I receive an email with the virtual court information?

If you did not receive the Zoom virtual court invitation there are several possible reasons.

• You have not provided your email address to the court.
• The email address was provided or entered incorrectly.
• You have chosen to have an attorney represent you. Invitations will be sent to the attorney and you must contact your attorney for further instructions on how they want you to appear for court.
• You are set to appear for court in person. If you were scheduled for a trial or instructed by the judge or prosecutor to appear in person on your next scheduled court date, you will not receive an invitation for virtual court.

Remember also to check your spam/junk email folders. Please contact the court at 713-668-2341 for any further questions or clarification.

3. Why am I still in the waiting room?

When you log in for the Zoom virtual court, you enter into the waiting room with a message to remain in the room and wait to be admitted. If you have provided your full name as your display name, know that your file has been pulled and you are in queue to speak to the judge or a prosecutor. If you have not provided your full name as your display name, you will be called last when we can determine your name to locate your file. Please also pay attention to your screen for individual invitations to move to a separate breakout room to speak to the prosecutors. There can be a wait so please be patient and remain in the waiting room until you are admitted. If you leave the meeting before seeing a judge or a prosecutor you will be considered to have failed to appear. Failure to appear can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. 

4. What if I can't do virtual court?

If you are unable to or uncomfortable appearing for virtual court, you may appear in person on your schedule court date and time at 6309 Edloe, Houston, TX 77005.

5. Can I make a payment online?

Yes, the City accepts payment online. Select the Online Payments button below or click here to be redirected to the payment page. You must be over 21 to pay online.

6. Why am I unable to pull up my citation online?

First, if you are searching by Citation Number, check that all letters are in CAPS (i.e. SSP01234). The Citation Number is case sensitive. If you are still unable to view your ticket, it is possible the ticket is not yet in the system. Please contact the court at 713-668-2341 for further information.

7. Why am I unable to pay my citation online?

If any of the following apply to your citation, you will be unable to pay online:
- you were under 21 years of age at the time you received the citation
- you were issued a citation for an alcohol or drug offense

If neither of these apply to your citation, please contact the court for more information.

8. Can I take Defensive Driving to have my ticket dismissed?

It must be a moving violation and you must be eligible to take the defensive driving class.

9. How do I know if I am eligible to take Defensive Driving?

If none of the following pertain to you, you will be eligible to take Defensive Driving:
Person's holding a commercial driver's license at time of offense; non Texas driver's license; speeding 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit; committing a traffic offense in a construction zone when workers are present; passing a school bus loading or unloading children; if you have taken the class for another ticket dismissal within 12 months or are currently taking the class for another ticket dismissal.

10. How long do I have to take the Defensive Driving class?

You have 90 days from the date you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC) and sign the affidavit.

11. What are the requirements to take a Defensive Driving class?

1. Come to the Court Clerk window on or before your court date to request the Driving Safety Course or you may appear on your court date before the judge.
2. Plead guilty or nolo contendere (No Contest) and waive a jury trial.
3. Pay court costs in the amount of $144.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then pay court costs in the amount of $169.00.
4. Present to the court a valid Texas Driver’s license or permit.
5. Present to the court proof of financial responsibility in your name (automobile liability insurance.)

12. Can I show my proof of insurance at the clerk's window?

If you received a citation for Fail to Maintain Financial Responsibility and wish to present your proof of insurance, you must appear on your court date and present your documents to the prosecutor. 

13. Can I show proof that I have renewed my registration sticker at the clerk's window?

In order for a registration renewal to be considered, you must present the renewal receipt from the county in which your vehicle is registered and you must have paid the late penalty to the county. The fee will be listed with the itemized fees on the receipt. Please contact the court to determine your eligibility.

14. How do I reset my court date?

All court resets must be done in person no later than the Friday before your court date.

15. Can I reset my court date the same day I have court?

No, all resets must be done prior to the court date.

16. Can I reset my court date over the phone?

No, all court dates must be reset in person.

17. When do I have to pay the court costs?

When you come in to request the Driving Safety Course (DSC), you must pay the court costs at that time. The court cost for DSC is $144.00 unless the offense occurred in a school-crossing zone, then the amount is $169.00

18. Can I be placed on a payment plan?

In order to be placed on a payment plan, you must appear in court on your court date before the judge.

19. Will I have to pay a fine if I have renewed my sticker?

That will be up to the judge. They look at how long the sticker was expired and how long it took you to get it renewed; if the charge is not dismissed with a fee, the judge might reduce the fine.

20. Is there a fee for using a credit card?

Yes, there is a 4% service fee when you use a credit card.

21. What credit cards do you accept?

Visa and Mastercard only.

22. Can I show up to court at anytime?

No, you must be on the docket. Therefore, you must come in on your court date at your court time. 

23. Can I pay with someone else's credit card?

If you are going to pay with someone else's credit card the card holder must be present with a valid ID.

24. Can I bring a book or newspaper to court?

No, reading materials are not permitted in the court room.

25. Can I pay my ticket at any court?

No, if you received a ticket in the City of Southside Place you must come here to pay your ticket. The City of Southside Place Municipal Court is located at 6309 Edloe, Houston, TX 77005.

26. Can I be placed on deferred for my ticket?

You must appear in court on your court date and request deferral from the judge.

27. Can I request my driving record on line?

Yes, you may request your driving record online at www.texas.gov. Make sure to request #3A.