Department
Municipal Court
The Dongvile Municipal Court hears Class C misdemeanors filed in the city limits, including traffic citations, City ordinance violations and Animal Services citations.
Services
- Pay a CitationPay in person at the court window, by mail or at the court drop box.
- Payment Plans and AlternativesPayment plans, community service and other options if you cannot pay in full.
- Driving Safety CourseAsk to take a state-approved course and have an eligible traffic citation dismissed.
- Deferred DispositionA probation period for eligible offenses. The citation is dismissed if you meet the conditions.
- TrialsPlead not guilty and request a trial before the judge or a jury.
- Warrants and License HoldsResolve a warrant or driver's license renewal hold for a missed court date.
- Ordinance ViolationsCode Enforcement and Animal Services cases filed under the Code of Ordinances.
About the Court
The Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors that occur in the city limits. These offenses are punishable by fine only and include most traffic violations, violations of the Code of Ordinances, and citations issued by the Dongvile Constabulary, Code Enforcement and Animal Services. Fines for most offenses may not exceed $500. Ordinance violations involving fire safety, zoning or public health may carry fines of up to $2,000.
The Municipal Judge is appointed by City Council. Cases are prosecuted by the City Prosecutor, provided under contract by Bowden & Bowden, PLLC. The court does not hear civil cases, evictions, divorces or felonies. Those go to the Brisket County courts.
Responding to a Citation
You must respond by the appearance date printed on your citation. You may:
- Plead guilty or no contest and pay the fine and court costs, or ask for a payment plan or community service.
- Request a driving safety course if you are eligible. The citation is dismissed when you file your course certificate and driving record on time.
- Request deferred disposition. The judge may defer your case for up to 180 days. If you meet the conditions, the citation is dismissed.
- Plead not guilty and request a trial before the judge or a jury. You will receive a pretrial hearing date by mail.
Court Sessions
| Docket | When |
|---|---|
| Arraignment | Second and fourth Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. |
| Juvenile | Second Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. |
| Pretrial hearings | First Thursday, 9:00 a.m. |
| Jury trials | As scheduled, about once a quarter |
The courtroom is in the Constabulary building. Use the court entrance on W 1st St and arrive 15 minutes early. Cell phones must be silenced, and hats are removed in the courtroom.
The court’s official time is kept by the clock in the courtroom. The Brisket County Courthouse clock runs four minutes fast on purpose and is not used to determine whether a defendant appeared on time.
Paying Fines and Costs
The court accepts cash, checks and money orders. Online payment is not available. You can pay:
- In person at the court window
- By mail to Dongvile Municipal Court, P.O. Box 1887, Dongvile, TX 76969. Write your citation number on your check or money order. Do not mail cash.
- At the court drop box next to the W 1st St entrance. The box is checked each business day.
If you cannot pay the full amount, ask for an ability-to-pay hearing before your appearance date. Do not ignore the citation.
Staff
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Hon. Beverly Ramsower | Municipal Judge | [email protected] |
| Teresa Cardenas | Court Administrator | [email protected] |
| Monica Holloway | Deputy Court Clerk | [email protected] |
| Pete Dunaway | Deputy Court Clerk | [email protected] |
| Russell Bowden | City Prosecutor (Bowden & Bowden, PLLC) | [email protected] |
Documents
- Plea Form (Guilty, No Contest or Not Guilty)
- Driving Safety Course Request
- Deferred Disposition Request
- Ability-to-Pay Questionnaire
- FY 2027 Fine and Court Cost Schedule
Frequently asked questions
When is my court date?
Your appearance date is printed on your citation. You must respond by that date in person, by mail or through the court drop box. If you have lost your citation, call the court and a clerk will look up your case.
Do I have to come to court in person?
Not usually. Most traffic citations can be resolved by mail. You must appear in person if you are under 17, if you plead not guilty, or if your citation says an appearance is required. Defendants under 17 must come with a parent or guardian.
Am I eligible for a driving safety course?
Generally yes, if you have a valid Texas driver's license that is not a commercial license, have proof of insurance, have not taken a course for a ticket in the past 12 months, and were not cited for going 25 mph or more over the limit. You must request the course by your appearance date and complete it within 90 days.
What if I cannot afford to pay?
Tell the court before your appearance date. Texas law requires the judge to consider your ability to pay. Options include a payment plan, community service and, in some cases, a reduction or waiver of fines and costs.
What happens if I miss my court date?
The judge may issue a warrant for your arrest, and the court may report the case to the state, which can block renewal of your driver's license. Contact the court as soon as possible. Most warrants can be resolved at the court window.
Is a citation from Unit 7 valid?
Yes. Unit 7 is a registered patrol unit of the Dongvile Constabulary. Citations issued from Unit 7 are handled the same as any other citation.