Rhome Municipal Court

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Rhome Municipal Court

The mission of the Municipal Court is to ensure compliance with all State and Local judicial laws and City ordinances while providing quality customer service, thereby earning the public's trust and confidence in the American justice system. * RHOME MUNICIPAL COURT IS A "COURT OF RECORD" AS ESTABLISHED 08/09/2012 *
Honorable Judge Jim Minter - Presiding Judge Honorable Renee Culp - Associate Judge (not pictured) _________________________________________ * Kristi Adams, Municipal Court Clerk * Office: 817-636-2333 Email: municipalcourt@cityofrhome.com Mailing Address: P. O. Box 228, Rhome, Texas 76078 Physical Address: 501 South Main Street, Rhome, Texas 76078 COURT HOURS: Monday thru Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm * Court is Closed daily for Lunch: 12:00pm - 1:00pm * ______________ Ms. Adams has been with the City of Rhome for 6.5 yrs. She has an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice and has earned her Level 1 Clerk Certification. She is currently studying to earn her Level 2 Certification. She brings with her over 20 yrs of experience in the criminal justice field. Ms. Adams is known for her friendly smile and pleasant customer service skills. She always demonstrates patience and respect while explaining the processes and options for resolving your citation. She is married and has three grown sons, one daughter-in-law, two grandsons, two dogs and three cats. Her hobbies are riding her own motorcycle, traveling, and camping with her family.		Do not pay your citation until you have submitted your plea in writing to the court UNLESS you want to enter a plea of Guilty, waive a trial by jury or by judge, and accept a conviction of the violation. OPTIONS TO PAY A CITATION: 1. Debit/Credit Card: By phone, in person, or online - a 5% service fee will be applied to ALL card transactions by the card processing company. Online Portal: https://www.govrec.com/main-page ** If you are using a cell phone to pay your citation, please read the requirements. You must "Accept the cookies" and "use the web version". 2. Money Order or Cashier's Checks - make payable to "City of Rhome" (be sure to sign the M.O./C.C.. Print your name and citation number on the lower left MEMO section of the payment) 3. Cash in person - exact amount required. Court cannot give change. NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR COMPANY CHECKS There is a 24-hour payment/document drop box on the front door of Rhome City Hall, 501 North Main St., Rhome, Texas 76078 NOTE: A $15.00 "Time Payment Fee" may be added to the original assessed amount if you fail to pay in full by deadline per the judgment order. ** You can contact the court to verify your citation amount.... Email: municipalcourt@cityofrhome.com Office: 817-636-2333

Under our American system of justice, all persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

*** You must submit a written plea either in person or by mail by submitting the ENTIRE original citation back to the court not later than the "Appearance Date" printed on your citation which is 20 calendar days from the date of issue of the citation.
*** Please be aware if you fail to appear either in person or by mail, as provided by law, a warrant may be issued for your arrest and a hold may be placed on your driver license preventing you from renewing your license and/or registration of your vehicle until the citation has been resolved in full.

PLEA OPTIONS:

1. PLEA OF NOT GUILTY - means that you deny guilt of the violation, or that you have a firm defense in your case.
You are entitled to request a trial by jury (Jury Trial) or you can waive a jury and request a trial by judge (Bench Trial).
You have the right to represent yourself (Pro Se) or you have the right to hire an attorney to appear on your behalf.
You will be put on a court docket and will receive (by regular USPS mail) the formal setting notice with the virtual hearing instructions via ZOOM Meeting
(all dockets are being held virtually until further notice).

2. PLEA OF GUILTY - means that you admit the violation was prohibited by law, that you committed the violation charged against you, and that you have no defense or excuse for your unlawful act.

3. PLEA OF NO CONTEST - means that you do not contest the State's charge against you. A plea of nolo contendere (no contest) cannot be used against you in a civil suit.

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*** Please contact the court to see if you qualify for options such as Deferred Disposition (probation) or Texas Driver Safety Course.
- Out of state license holders do not have the option to take a Texas Driver Safety Course for ticket dismissal.
- Class A & B Commercial license holders ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for Deferred Disposition (probation) or DSC for moving violations, per the State DPS statute.

- All "Fix-it Tickets" must be resolved within 20 calendar days from the issue date of the citation and the "dismissal fee" must be paid at the same time. (please contact the court for the dismissal fee)
- If you received a citation for Expired Registration, you must tell the DMV when you go to renew your registration that you did receive a citation for expired registration. They are required to charge you a "Late Registration Fee". If you do not pay the "late" fee to the DMV, the court cannot dismiss your violation as "Compliance Dismissal".
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*** If you choose to Plea Guilty or No Contest, waive a trial by jury, and accept the conviction of the violation, but are unable to pay the fine in full by deadline, you can submit a written request for a payment plan or you can request an "Indigency Hearing" if you feel you are truly qualified as Indigent Status (it is your responsibility to research to see if you qualify for "indigent status"). A payment plan hearing OR an Indigency hearing will be scheduled in which you are required to appear to discuss possible alternate methods of payments such as community service and/or payment plans. The judge will discuss with you your financial situation to decide how best to accommodate your ability to pay.

*** ALL COURT DOCKETS ARE BEING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM MEETING (online or by phone) ***

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE COURT OF ANY MAILING ADDRESS CHANGES OR PERSONAL CONTACT INFORMATION

*** MINORS (JUVENILES - 16 yrs of age and younger) - MUST APPEAR IN COURT WITH THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN

Municipal court has jurisdiction over minors (age 16 or younger) charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses, Public Intoxication (age 17-20), Possess/Consumption of Alcohol (under age 21), and Possession of Tobacco Products (under age 18).

*** Minors who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fine as ordered will be reported to the Department of Public Safety. You then risk a suspension of your driver's license. Minors who do not have a driver's license will not be able to obtain one until their case is resolved in full.

WARNING: A MINOR child and parent or legal guardian required to appear before the court have a legal obligation to provide the court the current residential address and contact information of the minor child.

*** If you need a continuance regarding your Court setting - you must submit the request in writing to the Court no later than 72 business hours prior to your setting date and time. The judge will make a decision whether or not to grant the continuance. You will be notified in writing of the Judge's decision. If the continuance is granted, a new setting date and time will be mailed to you at the mailing address on file with the Court.

*** The Court complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special services (sign interpretative services, alternative audio/visual devices, amanuenses) or if you do not speak or understand English and need an interpreter, please request this 72 hours before your court date. To make arrangements, call 817-636-2333, or TDD 1-800-RELAY,TX (1-800-735-2989).

Carrying a concealed weapon on City premises is not permitted.