Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Struck a Fixture in Euless? Understand the Law & Protect Your Record.
Euless Ticket Defense Attorney
Expert Legal Defense for Accident-Related Offenses in Euless Municipal Court. Call The Beltz Law Group Today: 214-321-4105
Accidents happen, and sometimes they involve striking something other than another vehicle – perhaps a mailbox, a traffic sign, a fence, or even landscaping. If you’ve been involved in an incident in Euless that resulted in damage to a structure, fixture, or highway landscaping, you may have received a citation for “Duty on Striking Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscaping.”
This isn’t just a simple traffic ticket; it’s a criminal offense that can carry significant penalties, including higher fines and potentially a more serious misdemeanor charge, depending on the extent of the damage. At The Beltz Law Group, we understand the complexities of these citations and are dedicated to defending clients in Euless Municipal Court to protect their driving record, insurance rates, and driving privileges.
The Law: Duty on Striking a Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscaping
The requirements for drivers involved in such incidents are outlined in the Texas Transportation Code, Section 550.025. DUTY ON STRIKING STRUCTURE, FIXTURE, OR HIGHWAY LANDSCAPING.
(a) The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a structure adjacent to a highway or a fixture or landscaping legally on or adjacent to a highway shall: (1) take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of the accident and of the operator’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle the operator was driving; (2) if requested and available, show the operator’s driver’s license to the owner or person in charge of the property; and (3) report the accident if required by Section 550.061.
(b) A person commits an offense if the person violates Subsection (a). An offense under this section is: (1) a Class C misdemeanor, if the damage to all fixtures and landscaping is less than $200; or (2) a Class B misdemeanor, if the damage to all fixtures and landscaping is $200 or more.
Warrants Lifted in Euless Texas
What this means for you:
- Your Duty: If you damage property adjacent to a highway (like a sign, fence, or landscaping), you are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to find and notify the property owner, provide your identification and vehicle information, and potentially show your driver’s license. You must also report the accident if required by law (generally if damage exceeds $1,000 or results in injury/death).
- Varying Severity: The seriousness of the offense depends directly on the estimated value of the damage:
- Less than $200 in damage: This is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only (up to $500, plus court costs). These cases are typically handled in Euless Municipal Court.
- $200 or more in damage: This elevates the offense to a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor is a more serious criminal charge, potentially punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000. These cases would be handled in a Justice Court or County Criminal Court in Tarrant County, not Euless Municipal Court.
Protecting Your Record After Striking a Fixture
Euless Criminal Defense Attorney
Regardless of whether you’re facing a Class C or Class B misdemeanor, a conviction for “Duty on Striking Structure, Fixture, or Highway Landscaping” can have significant negative impacts:
- Criminal Record: Both Class C and Class B misdemeanors result in a criminal conviction on your record, which can have long-term consequences.
- Driving Record Impact: While not a “moving violation” in the traditional sense, this offense can still affect your driving record, particularly if it’s tied to an accident.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Your auto insurance provider will see this incident and may significantly increase your premiums. This is often the most costly long-term consequence.
- Driver’s License Implications: Depending on the specific circumstances and your driving history, any criminal conviction related to driving could potentially impact your driver’s license.
How The Beltz Law Group Can Help You in Euless
If you’ve received a citation for striking a fixture or structure in Euless, our experienced attorneys at The Beltz Law Group are ready to help. Our goal is to do everything we can to keep this ticket off your record and mitigate the financial and legal repercussions.
We will:
- Analyze Your Case: We’ll carefully review the details of the incident, including the damage assessment, any police reports, and witness statements.
- Determine Jurisdiction: We’ll confirm whether your case is in Euless Municipal Court (for Class C) or a higher court (for Class B) and provide representation in the appropriate venue.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors: We aim to negotiate with the prosecutor for the best possible outcome. This could include:
- Dismissal: If there are factual or legal weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Deferred Disposition: For Class C misdemeanors, we may be able to secure a deferred disposition, which allows the case to be dismissed and kept off your record upon successful completion of a probationary period.
- Reduced Charges: For Class B cases, we may seek to reduce the charge or negotiate for probation instead of jail time.
- Protect Your Driving Privileges and Insurance: Our primary focus is to achieve a resolution that safeguards your driving record and minimizes the impact on your insurance rates.
- Provide Clear Guidance: We will explain your options and what steps you need to take to ensure the best possible outcome for your license and future.
Don’t let an accident involving property damage lead to a criminal conviction and lasting problems. Taking proactive legal steps can make a significant difference.
To tell us more about what happened with your Euless ticket, please give our office a call or fill out our questionnaire.
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