Municipal Court

The Merkel Municipal Court is located at 100 Kent St., Merkel, Texas. Normal business hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.  When making a personal appearance you must currently enter the City Hall building thru the Water Dept. entrance, from there you will be directed to the Court. 

Make a Plea:

After being issued a traffic citation, you must enter a plea by the 10 day promise to appear date. Please allow 2 working days for personnel to process you citation before making an appearance.  You will need to make a plea to each charge, and you have three options:  (1) Plea of Nolo Contendere (No Contest); (2) Plea of Guilty; or a (3) Plea of Not Guilty.  With a Plea of No Contest or Guilty, you MAY then have the option of requesting a Driver’s Safety Course or requesting Deferred Disposition, you will need to contact the Court.  You will NOT be eligible for either option if:

• You were 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit
• If you were issued a citation for No Insurance, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.
• If you were Passing a School Bus, or issued a citation for a Construction Zone violation.
• If you have a Commercial Driver’s License.

 

When you make your request for either the Driver’s Safety Course, you must

pay the DSC fees of $107.10, provide proof of your Driver’s License, proof of Financial Responsibility, and sign an affidavit stating that you are not in the process of taking a DSC or that you have not had a DSC in the last 12 months.

For Deferred Disposition, you must pay the fine amount in full, and provide a current copy of your Driver’s License and Proof of Financial Responsibility.

If you choose to make a plea of Not Guilty, you will be set for a pre-trial hearing and notice will be mailed to you by certified mail.

Municipal Judge’s  Em: court@merkeltexas.com