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​​​​Deferred Disposition

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Deferred Disposition is an option that keeps your citation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record. The Municipal Court Judge will dismiss the citation if you complete the program successfully. Deferred Disposition is not available for all violations.​

​Citations NOT eligible to request deferred disposition for:  

  • offenses committed in a construction work zone when workers are present (Secs. 472.022 and 543.117, T.C.); 
  • a person who holds a commercial driver’s license or held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense and is charged with an offense involving motor vehicle control (Art. 45A.301(2), C.C.P.);
  • a minor charged with the offense of consuming an alcoholic beverage who has been previously convicted twice or more of this offense (Sec. 106.04(d), A.B.C.);
  • a minor charged with driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage previously convicted twice or more of this offense (Sec. 106.041, A.B.C.); and
  • a minor under 17 charged with an offense to which Section 106.071, A.B.C., applies previously convicted at least twice of minor in possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, purchase of alcohol, attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor, or misrepresentation of age by a minor (Sec. 106.071(i), A.B.C.).

​In certain circumstances, when the judge grants deferred disposition, the judge must order specific terms as conditions. The following list outlines those circumstances.​

  • If the defendant is under the age of 25 and charged with a moving traffic violation, the court shall require, as a term of deferred disposition, a driving safety course. The defendant must submit proof of taking the course. Art. 45.051(b-1)/45A.304(b)(1), C.C.P. 
  • If the defendant has a provisional driver’s license (applies to drivers under 18) and is charged with a moving traffic violation, the court shall require, as a term of deferred disposition, that the defendant be examined by DPS as required by Section 521.161(b)(2), T.C. Art. 45.051(b-1)/45A.304(b)(2), C.C.P. (To test a person’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle of the type that the person will be licensed to operate.) The person must pay DPS a $10 fee for the examination. The defendant must submit proof of being examined by DPS.​
  • If the offense is an Alcoholic Beverage Code offense or the Penal Code offense of public intoxication and the defendant is younger than 21 years of age, as a term of the deferral, the court must require the defendant to take an alcohol awareness or substance misuse education program. Sec. 106.115, A.B.C.
  • ​The court must require community service as a term of probation when granting deferred for certain offenses committed by minors within the Alcoholic Beverage Code. Sec. 106.071(d), A.B.C.

​Violations that Must Be Approved at Court:​​ Some citations are NOT eligible for deferred disposition without speaking to a Judge. These include, but are not limited to:

  • ​Speeding 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit.
  • Any juvenile citation​(s) (Must appear in Court with a parent or legal guardian).
  • Class C misdemeanor assault, theft, or reckless damage offenses.
  • Minor with an alcohol or tobacco charge.
  • PI (Public Intoxication) charges if you are under the age of 21 (at the time of the violation).

​What is needed to request the Deferred Disposition Option​: 

  • Acceptable form of identification (Social security cards and selfies (pictures) are NOT valid forms of identification)
  • Payment in full.

​To review Citation(s), Status, or Balances. Example: (C12345678​ Do not enter the dash). If the citation(s) are in Warrants, they will appear in red.​​

*** When you request deferred disposition online or by mail, please note this is a REQUEST ONLY. The Court will respond by mail within 5 to ​7 business days and will use the address listed on the Contact Verification Form. ***

Request Deferred Disposition Online: Choose the deferred disposition option from Explore Options.​

Click Here to Request Online

A convenience fee applies to each online transaction. This fee covers the cost the City of Dallas incurs to offer an online option for your convenience. To avoid this fee, you may handle your citation by mail or pay in person with cash or a check.​ 

​Request Deferred Disposition by Mail or In Person at:

Dallas Municipal Court

2014 Main St.  Dallas, TX 75201

Click here for the Municipal Court's Operating and Walk-In Hours.​

Download the deferred disposition Mail Application (only needed if you are requesting by mail)​

Do not send cash by mail. Send only a check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to the "City of Dallas" by mail. Print the citation number on the check or money order to ensure the correct citation is credited.​

The Court uses the postmark date on the letter (stamped by the postal service) as the received date. Certified mail is recommended but not required.​

The City of Dallas Municipal Court does not have free or dedicated parking for the public. Paid parking options include street metered parking, daily lots, and private garages.

​Once Deferred Disposition is Completed:​ 

On or before the due date, you must present to the Court any court-ordered paperwork.​Once you have completed and received all the required paperwork, you may choose to either mail or bring it to the Court. Fax, email, or live chat is not an option.​ 

​How do I know the Court received my paperwork? 

  • Mail it certified.
  • Chat with a live clerk on live chat.
  • Check online under Citation Search. If the deferral due date has not passed, the case will still show as pending. Once the due date has passed, the paperwork will go before a Judge for review; this process can take 4-6 weeks after the due date. If it has been more than 4-6 weeks, contact the Court for additional information.​

Defaulting on Deferred Disposition:​

If you fail to meet the requirements of deferred disposition, the Court will set the citation(s) for a show cause hearing and will mail a hearing notice to the last known address on file. The show-cause hearing allows you to speak with a Judge about why you failed to meet the requirements of the deferred disposition​​.

​If you fail to appear, fail to comply, or fail to give a satisfactory explanation at a hearing before the Judge, a conviction is reported to the Department of Public Safety as required by law. Depending on the citation status, the court may issue a warrant.


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