Last Updated on June 16, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Protecting Your Record: Navigating Citations in Addison Municipal Court
Addison Ticket Defense Lawyer
Receiving a citation in Addison, Texas, can be an unexpected and concerning event. Whether it’s a traffic ticket or a misdemeanor criminal charge, how you handle it in the Addison Municipal Court can significantly impact your driving record, criminal history, and even your future opportunities. At The Beltz Law Group, we understand the complexities of municipal court proceedings and are dedicated to helping you properly resolve your case to protect your record.
Addison Municipal Court Information
The Addison Municipal Court is a critical part of the local justice system, handling various violations of state law and city ordinances.
- Physical Address: 4799 Airport Pkwy, Addison, TX 75001
- Phone: (972) 450-7111 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
- Website: https://www.cityofallen.org/departments/municipal_court/index.php
Common Types of Cases in Addison Municipal Court
The court has jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanors, which are criminal offenses punishable by fine only (typically up to $500, plus court costs). It also handles violations of local city ordinances, which can carry fines up to $2,000 for certain offenses (e.g., related to public health, safety, or zoning).
Addison Ticket Lawyer
Traffic Tickets: More Than Just a Fine
Traffic citations are the most frequent type of case seen in Addison Municipal Court. While they may seem minor, simply paying a ticket often results in a conviction on your driving record. This can lead to:
- Increased automobile insurance premiums.
- State surcharges imposed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Points added to your driving record, potentially leading to driver’s license suspension.
Common traffic violations include:
- Speeding: Including general speeding and more serious school zone violations.
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Failing to obey traffic control devices.
- Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility (No Insurance): Driving without valid auto insurance.
- Driving While License Invalid (DWLI): Operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or invalid driver’s license.
- Expired Registration or Inspection: Driving with outdated vehicle registration or inspection stickers.
- No Driver’s License: Operating a vehicle without a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Failure to Control Speed: Driving at an unsafe speed given conditions.
- Seat Belt Violations: Including those for minors.
Criminal Violations (Class C Misdemeanors)
Addison Ticket Defense Lawyer
Beyond traffic, Addison Municipal Court also handles various Class C Misdemeanor criminal cases. A conviction for these offenses, even if only a fine, can result in a criminal record that may have significant long-term repercussions for employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.
Common Class C criminal violations include:
- Public Intoxication (PI): Being intoxicated in a public place to the degree that you may endanger yourself or others. These charges often involve an arrest.
- Theft (Under $100): Often associated with shoplifting, this charge pertains to the unlawful taking of property valued at less than $100. Theft convictions are considered “crimes of moral turpitude” and can severely impact background checks.
- Assault by Contact: This is a Class C misdemeanor where the alleged action involves physical contact that the victim considers offensive or provocative, without causing bodily injury. If this offense involves a family member, it can be designated as “Assault Family Violence (Class C),” which carries particularly severe and lasting consequences, regardless of the absence of physical injury, impacting various aspects of your life including professional licenses and future rights.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Possessing items used for illegal drug consumption. While a Class C misdemeanor, it is a criminal offense that will appear on your record if convicted.
- Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in behavior that disturbs the peace, such as fighting in public or making unreasonable noise.
- Minor in Possession (MIP) / Minor in Consumption (MIC): Charges for individuals under 21 related to the possession or consumption of alcohol.
Proper Resolution: Protecting Your Record
The key to navigating Addison Municipal Court effectively is to understand that simply paying a citation is often the worst option for your record. A “not guilty” plea is typically the first step, not necessarily because you deny the factual basis of the citation, but because it preserves your constitutional rights and allows for negotiation. The burden of proof remains with the prosecution, and this plea provides leverage for seeking a more favorable outcome.
Our experience with Addison Municipal Court indicates that court dates for contested cases are typically set approximately 1-3 months after paperwork is filed, often on Wednesdays at 2 PM. While the court is often reasonable in allowing time for payments on deferral agreements, the crucial goal is to avoid a conviction.
How The Beltz Law Group Can Assist You
Facing any citation in Addison Municipal Court can be stressful and complex. The Beltz Law Group is here to help you understand your options and ensure your case is handled properly to protect your record.
Our attorneys can:
- Analyze Your Case: Review the details of your citation, including any potential defenses or mitigating circumstances.
- Enter Your Plea: File the necessary paperwork to enter a “not guilty” plea, preserving your rights.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: Work directly with the prosecution to seek outcomes such as dismissal, deferred disposition, or reduced charges that prevent a conviction from appearing on your record.
- Represent You in Court: Attend court appearances on your behalf, saving you time and ensuring all procedures are followed correctly.
- Clear Warrants: If you’ve missed a court date and a warrant has been issued, we can often assist in lifting the warrant, preventing potential arrest.
- Provide Timely Updates: Keep you informed throughout the process, explaining each step and what to expect.
Don’t let a citation in Addison lead to unnecessary headaches or long-term consequences. Contact The Beltz Law Group today for a consultation. We have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate Addison Municipal Court and protect your driving and criminal record.
