Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Arlington Attorney
Removing Warrants for Traffic Tickets in Arlington Municipal Court: Your Path to Resolution
An outstanding traffic ticket warrant in Arlington Municipal Court can cast a long shadow, creating stress and uncertainty about potential arrest, driver’s license complications, and financial penalties. Understanding how these warrants arise and, more importantly, how the Beltz Law Group can help you resolve them is crucial for protecting your peace of mind and your driving record.
This article is designed to guide those with outstanding traffic tickets that have escalated to warrant status in Arlington. If, after reading, you wish to discuss your specific situation with an experienced legal team, please contact our office at 214-321-4105.
How Warrants Are Issued for Traffic Tickets in Arlington Municipal Court
Warrants in Arlington Municipal Court primarily stem from a Failure to Appear (FTA). When you receive a traffic citation, it includes a specific “appearance date” by which you must contact the court to declare your plea (guilty, no contest, or not guilty) or make arrangements for the case. The law generally provides at least 10 days for this initial response.
If you fail to appear or contact the court by this deadline, the Municipal Court can request that a judge issue an arrest warrant for your failure to fulfill your promise to appear. It’s important to clarify that this warrant is not for the original traffic offense itself (which is typically a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fine only) but solely for the failure to comply with the court’s requirements. The warrant’s purpose is to compel your appearance.
Additionally, Lewisville Municipal Court may issue a Capias Pro Fine warrant. This type of warrant is issued if you’ve already been convicted of a traffic offense (e.g., by paying the ticket or being found guilty in court) but then failed to pay the assessed fine, complete court-ordered community service, or adhere to a payment plan. Both FTA and Capias Pro Fine warrants typically incur an additional $50 fee per violation.

Arlington Warrants Lifted
While Arlington is recognized as a “Safe Harbor Court,” meaning you can generally appear voluntarily at the courthouse to resolve Arlington-issued warrants without fear of immediate arrest at the court, this convenience has limitations. It does not protect you from arrest if stopped by law enforcement outside the courthouse, nor does it apply to warrants issued by other jurisdictions. The most secure way to handle a warrant is to have it formally “lifted” by an attorney before any court appearance.
How Attorneys “Lift” Warrants in Arlington Municipal Court
Attorneys refer to the formal removal of a warrant as “lifting” the warrant. This process in Arlington Municipal Court typically involves your attorney posting an appearance bond on your behalf.
An appearance bond is a legally binding document that your attorney signs and files with the court under oath. In this document, the attorney formally promises Arlington Municipal Court that:
- You, the defendant, will not miss any future court dates related to the case.
- The attorney will undertake all necessary steps to resolve the case, whether through negotiation, legal motions, or by setting the case for trial.
By posting this bond, the attorney assumes a level of civil liability. If a future court date were to be missed, the attorney could be held financially responsible for the full amount of the fine. This system creates a strong incentive for both the defendant and the Arlington traffic ticket lawyer to ensure the case is diligently pursued and resolved without any further missed appearances.
The paramount benefit of an attorney posting an appearance bond is the immediate and safe removal of the warrant, thereby eliminating the threat of arrest. It also typically removes any associated “Omni holds” on your driver’s license, which are often in place due to outstanding warrants and prevent license renewal.
What Happens After a Warrant is Lifted in Arlington Municipal Court
Once your warrant has been officially lifted by an attorney in Arlington, the case essentially returns to its pre-warrant status. This allows your attorney to proactively manage the case:
- New Court Date: A new court date, usually a pre-trial hearing, will be scheduled.
- Attorney Representation: Your Arlington traffic ticket lawyer can then meet with the prosecutor for the City of Arlington to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case.
- Seeking Favorable Outcomes: The attorney’s primary goal will be to pursue an outcome that protects your permanent driving record. This is crucial because even in the absence of the old surcharge program, a conviction on your record can still lead to driver’s license suspensions (due to accumulated violations) and significantly increased automobile insurance rates.
Legal Reasons for Dismissal (Procedural Due Process)
A key area your attorney will investigate is whether there are any “legal reasons” for dismissal based on potential violations of your procedural due process rights. These rights guarantee that you receive proper notice and a fair opportunity to defend yourself.
A common example involves the Complaint. As of January 1, 2025, the requirements for a valid complaint in Texas are detailed in Article 45A.101 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. For a traffic citation filed in Arlington Municipal Court, the complaint must substantially satisfy specific requirements, including:
- Being in writing.
- Beginning with “In the name and by the authority of the State of Texas.”
- Stating the name of the accused (or a definite description if unknown).
- Showing that an offense was committed against state law.
- Stating the date the offense was committed as definitely as possible.
- Bearing the signature or mark of the affiant.
- Concluding with specific legal phrasing.
- Specifically alleging the offense was committed within Arlington’s territorial limits.
If the complaint contains defects, errors, or irregularities that are timely objected to, it could lead to the dismissal of the case. Your attorney will meticulously review the complaint and all related documents for such issues.
Factual Defenses and Trial Considerations
If the case does not present clear legal grounds for dismissal, your attorney will then discuss “factual reasons” that could lead to a dismissal or a favorable outcome. These reasons are based on the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, such as:
- “The police officer clocked the wrong vehicle.”
- “There were no clear signs indicating the speed limit or zone.”
- “There were no workers present in the alleged construction zone.”
- “My vehicle was already stopped when the officer initiated the stop.”
If a strong factual defense exists and a satisfactory plea bargain cannot be reached with the prosecutor, your attorney will discuss the option and cost of taking the case to trial. It’s important to understand that trial fees are typically separate from the initial fee to lift the warrant and handle pre-trial matters.

Arlington Ticket Defense Lawyer
Contacting a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer in Arlington
Navigating outstanding traffic ticket warrants and the Arlington Municipal Court system can be complex. The goal is always to resolve your case in a manner that prevents a conviction on your driving record, protects your insurance rates, and ensures your driving privileges remain intact.
Don’t allow an unresolved traffic ticket warrant to create further stress or lead to more severe penalties. Take the proactive step to consult with an experienced Arlington traffic ticket lawyer. The legal team at Beltz Law Group is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact our Arlington ticket attorneys today at 214-321-4105 for a consultation.






