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HPD and Houston Municipal Courts Warn Amnesty Program in Final Days. Citizens Urged to Pay Court Orders While Savings Still Available.
June 10, 2011 - The City of Houston Municipal Courts' 2011 Amnesty program will officially come to an end at 11:59 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2011. Court officials are encouraging anyone who has a delinquent court matter to take care of it to avoid arrest.
"We have vigorously tried to notify everyone through radio, television and print news announcement that HPD and Harris County will have a warrant sweep and anyone who has outstanding warrants will likely be arrested," stated Director and Presiding Judge, Barbara E. Hartle. "Please take advantage of this cost-saving program before it ends," said Judge Hartle.
At a news briefing held Friday, May 20, 2011, representatives from the Houston Police Department, Houston Municipal Court and Harris County Precinct 1 urged individuals with delinquent citations take advantage of the amnesty program.
"Our message is simple," said HPD Captain Jonathan Zera. "Anyone with overdue citations needs to take care of them now, before the amnesty period ends. Afterwards, HPD will have officers serving warrants throughout the city. Please avoid the potential embarrassment of being arrested in front of co-workers, friends, or family and take advantage of this program while it is offered," he added.
Deputy Constables from all of Harris County's Precincts will also take part in the warrant round up.
For more information about City of Houston warrants or citations, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or contact City's Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 if outside the City of Houston. For information about Harris County warrants and amnesty program, visit www.jp.hctx.net.
Media inquiring about the event are encouraged to contact Jose E. Soto, Assistant PIO, Houston Municipal Courts Department at (office) 713-247-4081 or (cell) 713-859-4923.
2011 Amnesty Program FAQ's
Why are you doing this?
To close cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful.
What kinds of cases are eligible for Amnesty rates?
Most delinquent traffic, non-traffic and parking citations that were delinquent on or before February 28, 2011 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Previously adjudicated cases, capias pro fine cases and Red Light Camera citations are not eligible for Amnesty. Citizens may visit the Municipal Courts website or call 3-1-1 to find out if they have eligible Amnesty cases.
What do I do if I have a parking citation?
To receive Amnesty rates, parking citations must be paid in person at a Parking Management office or Municipal Court facility. Parking citations that were delinquent on or before January 13, 2011 are eligible for Amnesty rates.
How can I find out if I have warrants?
Dial Houston's Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at or visit any City of Houston Municipal Court location (see chart below).
What are my options if I find out I do have warrants?
You may pay the fines at the applicable Amnesty rates. You may also be able to obtain a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You always have the option to seek legal advice from an attorney.
If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?
No, it is better to come in voluntarily to resolve cases.
If I want to pay for my delinquent cases/warrants, what are my payment options?
Payment options are as follows:
BY PHONE - Call 713.837.0311 or 3-1-1 (6am- 8pm, Monday thru Friday)
BY MAIL - Municipal Courts, AMNESTY PROGRAM, P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996
WESTERN UNION (Ticket Texas)
IN PERSON - at any of the six court locations listed:
COURT LOCATIONS |
||
MAIN LOCATION |
HOURS |
PHONE |
Herbert W. Gee 1400 Lubbock |
Monday - Saturday |
713.247.5479 |
ANNEX LOCATIONS |
HOURS |
PHONE |
Acres Homes/North Command Station 9455 West Montgomery Houston, TX 77088 |
Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm |
281.405.5319 |
Clear Lake Sub-Station 2855 Bay Area Boulevard Houston, TX 77058 |
Thursday 8am to 5pm |
281.283.4946 |
Kingwood (Municipal Court Annex) 3915 Rustic Woods Kingwood, Texas 77339-5203 |
Wednesday 8am to 7pm |
281.361.6574 |
* Southeast Command Station 8300 Mykawa Houston, TX 77048 (Courts 13 & 14) |
Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm |
713.731.5155 |
* Westside Command Station 3203 South Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77082-2320 NOTE: All courtrooms are closed Noon to 1 P.M. (Court 18) |
Monday - Friday 8 am to 9pm |
281.584.4889 |
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
After I pay, how long will it take for the information to be removed from DPS records?
The Department of Public Safety will clear holds on driver's licenses within 5 to 7 business days.
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
