Driving on North Texas tollways is a matter of convenience, but for many, it can lead to a significant legal headache. In Texas, the failure to pay tollway tickets is governed by Section 366.178 of the Transportation Code.
If you have received a citation for unpaid tolls, it is important to understand that this is more than just a late bill—it is a Class C misdemeanor. Left unaddressed, these citations can lead to expensive fines (up to $250 per violation), vehicle registration blocks (Scofflaw), and even arrest warrants for failure to appear in court.
At Beltz Law Group, we specialize in helping clients navigate these complex cases. Resolving a toll violation is rarely as simple as just paying a fine; it involves a specific legal process designed to protect your rights and explore settlement options.
The Two-Step Legal Process
When you hire Beltz Law Group to handle your Section 366.178 case, we follow a structured two-step strategy to move your case toward a resolution.
Step 1: Entering a Plea and Requesting a Pretrial
The process begins in the Justice of the Peace court. Our firm will:
• Enter a plea of “Not Guilty” on your behalf.
• Request a pretrial date. By entering this plea, we prevent an immediate conviction from appearing on your record. This step is crucial because it moves the case out of a “pay-and-be-convicted” status and into a phase where our attorneys can actively advocate for you.
Step 2: Discovery, Hearing, and Settlement Offer
Once the court schedules a hearing, we move into the negotiation phase:
• Obtaining Proof: Our attorneys will obtain official proof of the total amount alleged to be owed to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA). We review these records to ensure the charges are accurate.
• Receiving the Settlement Offer: During the hearing phase, we will receive an offer to settle the alleged toll bill. This is often a negotiated amount that may be significantly lower than the total of the tolls plus administrative fees.
• Your Choice: We will present this offer to you. You have the choice to accept the offer and enter into a written agreement to resolve the case, or to reject the offer if you feel it is not in your best interest.
Why Choose Beltz Law Group?
The “administrative fees” attached to toll violations often far exceed the original cost of the tolls themselves. Facing a large entity like the NTTA and the court system simultaneously can be intimidating.
The attorneys at Beltz Law Group will be there every step of the way, helping you understand your options and providing the insight needed to decide which path is best for you. Whether we are negotiating with prosecutors to keep your record clean or working to lower the total amount you owe, our goal is to protect your rights and your wallet.
Do you have outstanding tollway tickets or a registration block in North Texas? Don’t wait for the situation to escalate. Contact Beltz Law Group today at 214-321-4105 to discuss your case and start the two-step process toward resolution.
