Deferred Disposition

Deferred Disposition is an option that will keep your citation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record. The Municipal Court Judge will dismiss the citation upon successful completion. Defer disposition is not available for all violations.

 

You are NOT eligible to request deferred disposition for citations if:  

  • A defendant charged with an offense relating to motor vehicle control who holds or held a commercial driver’s license;

  • Offenses committed in a construction work zone when workers are present; 

  • A minor charged with the offense of consuming an alcoholic beverage if the minor has been previously convicted twice or more of this offense; 

  • A minor charged with the offense of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage if the minor has been previously convicted twice or more of this offense; and

  • A minor who is at least 17 and has previously been convicted two or more times of an offense to which Section 106.071 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code applies (purchase of alcohol by a minor, attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor, consumption of alcohol by a minor, possession of alcohol by a minor, and misrepresentation of age by a minor).

Under certain circumstances, the judge must order certain terms as conditions of the deferred. Art. 45.051(b-1), C.C.P. The following is a list of those circumstances.

  • If the defendant is under the age of 25 and charged with a moving traffic violation, the court shall require a driving safety course as a term of a deferred disposition. The judge may also require an additional course designed for drivers under the age of 25. 
  • If the defendant has a provisional driver’s license and is charged with a moving 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) of the Transportation Code, which requires DPS 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. Note: Persons under the age of 18 have provisional driver’s licenses. Sec. 521.123, T.C. 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 course. Sec. 106.115, A.B.C.
  • The Court must require community service as a term of probation when granting deferred if the offense is one of the following:
    • Purchase of alcohol by a minor;
    • Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor;
    • Consumption of alcohol by a minor;
    • Possession of alcohol by a minor;
    • Misrepresentation of age by a minor; or
    • Public intoxication.
  • All deferred dispositions are subject to judicial review and approval.

Must be approved at Court:

 Some cases 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 case(s) (Must appear in Court with a parent or legal guardian);

  • Class C misdemeanor assault, theft, or reckless damage offenses;

  • Minor with an alcohol charge;

  • Minor with a tobacco charge;

  • PI (Public Intoxication) charges if you are under the age of 21 (at the time of the violation.).

What you need to request the Defer Disposition Option:

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


To review citation(s), status, or balances. Example: (C12123456 Do not enter the dash) (Warrants will appear in red)


Request Defer Disposition Online:

Complete an online request for deferred disposition by clicking on the button below. Choose the Defer option from Explore Options.

Click Here to Request Online

Online transactions have a Convenience Fee. This fee covers the cost incurred by the City of Dallas to offer an online option for your convenience. Individuals who wish to avoid this fee may handle their case by mail or in-person at the Municipal Court at 2014 Main St. 


Request Defer Disposition by Mail:

Download the deferred disposition mail application and mail to:

Dallas Municipal Court

2014 Main St.

Dallas, TX 75201-4406


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


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


Apply In-Person:

Dallas Municipal Court   

2014 Main St.  Dallas, TX 75201


For hours of operation


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.

 

How do I know the Court received my paperwork?

  • Mail it certified;
  • Go on live chat;

  • Check online under citation search. If the due date for Defer has not passed, the case will still show 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 past the 4-6 weeks, then contact the Court for additional information.

Default on Defer:

If you fail to meet the requirements of deferred disposition, the Court will set your case for a show cause hearing and will mail a hearing notice to the last known address on file. The show cause hearing is your opportunity to speak with a Judge regarding why you failed to meet the requirements of deferred disposition.

 

A conviction is reported to the Department of Public Safety as required by law if you fail to appear, to comply or fail to give a satisfactory explanation at a hearing before the Judge. Depending on the status of the case, a warrant may be issued.