Convictions on Traffic Cases

If you plead guilty or no contest, or if you are found guilty after trial, you will be assessed a fine as punishment. You will also be responsible for court costs. Full payment of the fine and costs will satisfy your obligations in connection with the charge filed against you.

Time to Pay the Fine and Costs
If you are not able to pay the fine and court costs in full, the court may consider allowing you to pay the fine and costs at a later date or in installments. If you cannot pay the fine and costs at the time they are assessed, you should be prepared to give the court certain financial information in order to assist the court in making payment arrangements. 

Time to Pay and Time Payment Fee
If you must make arrangements for more time to pay your fine and court costs, you will need to make that request to the court.  You should be aware that the Court is required to impose an additional Time Payment Fee of $5.00 if the fine and costs are not paid in full before the expiration of 31 days. This fee is required by Article 103.103 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Failure to Pay the Fine and Costs
Should you default in the payment of the fine and costs, the court may require you to perform community service work to discharge all or part of the fine and costs. You will be given $100 credit for each 8 hours of community service work performed. You may pay the fine and costs remaining due at any time.

Collection Fee: If the fine and costs are more than sixty (60) days past due, the court may refer your case to a private attorney or vendor for collection services. A collection fee equal to 30% of the amount due will be added. This fee is allowed under Article 103.0031 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Issuance of Capias Pro Fine: If you fail to pay the fine and costs as directed, the court may issue a capias pro fine commanding a peace officer to bring you before the court or place you in jail until you can be brought before the court. You will be required to pay additional fees in connection with the issuance of the capias pro fine and your release. These fees are required by Article 102.011 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Confinement in Jail to Discharge Fine and Costs: If you intentionally fail to make a good faith effort to discharge the judgment, you may be committed to the Hill County Jail until the judgment is discharged by serving a sufficient length of time to satisfy the fine and costs owed.

Denial of Renewal of Driver's License: If you fail to pay the fine and costs as directed, the court may notify the Department of Public Safety to deny the renewal of your driver's license. You will be required to pay an administrative fee of $30 prior to the renewal of your license. This fee is required by Section 706.006 of the Texas Transportation Code.