Ticket Lawyer In Arlington, Texas

If you have a ticket in Arlington Municipal Court, it is important to understand your options when it comes to protecting your permanent criminal record.  More than ever, our records are being used to evaluate us in a multitude of ways.  The impact that a ticket conviction can have on your life can be very serious.  This is why it is always important to discuss your ticket and the individual circumstances surrounding that violation with an experienced attorney in Arlington, Texas.  If you would like to discuss your case with a legal professional after reading this page, please feel free to contact our office at 214-321-4105.

What Happens After A Ticket Is Issued In Arlington, Texas?

Once a ticket has been issued by an Arlington police officer, you will be required to contact the court within a certain period of time.  This is called your appearance date.  Normally, we suggest that you wait no longer than 10 days to contact any court after getting cited with a violation.  10 days is the least amount of time allowed by law that a court can give you to contact them.  The appearance date is not a formal pretrial hearing.  This date only requires you to contact Arlington Municipal Court to let them know how you would like to proceed with your case.  Appearance dates normally cannot be made by telephone.  They must be made either in person or by mail.

Arlington Municipal Court will require you to enter a plea to determine how to proceed.  It is always wise to enter a plea of “not guilty.”  This plea ensures that you will provided with the evidence against you and will allow you an opportunity to discuss your case with a prosecutor for the City of Arlington.

The Scope of Arlington Municipal Court: Understanding Its Jurisdiction

The Arlington Municipal Court primarily presides over Class C misdemeanor offenses and violations of Arlington city ordinances. While these offenses are considered less severe than felonies or higher-level misdemeanors, they can still lead to significant penalties, including fines, court costs, and in some instances, potential jail time. Furthermore, a conviction can result in a criminal record that may have long-term consequences.

The most common types of criminal cases heard in the Arlington Municipal Court include:

• Traffic Offenses: This constitutes a large portion of the court’s docket. Examples include speeding tickets, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, driving without a valid driver’s license or insurance, and other moving violations that occur within Arlington city limits.
• Public Intoxication: Being intoxicated in a public place to the extent that you pose a danger to yourself or others is a common charge handled by the Municipal Court.
• Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in disruptive, offensive, or alarming behavior in a public setting can result in a disorderly conduct charge. This can encompass actions such as using offensive language, creating excessive noise, or engaging in fights.
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol (MIP): Individuals under the age of 21 who are found to possess or consume alcoholic beverages within Arlington’s jurisdiction may face charges in this court.
• Theft (under $100): Cases involving the theft of property valued at less than $100 are typically handled at the municipal level.
• Simple Assault (Class C): This involves causing minor bodily injury to another person and is considered a less serious form of assault compared to those prosecuted in higher courts.
• City Ordinance Violations: The City of Arlington has enacted various ordinances to regulate different aspects of life within the city. Violations of these ordinances, such as noise violations, certain parking offenses beyond standard tickets, animal control issues (like leash law violations or barking dogs), and specific building code infractions, fall under the Municipal Court’s jurisdiction.

It is crucial to recognize that even though these are often classified as “minor” offenses, the repercussions of a conviction can be substantial and long-lasting. A criminal record can impact future employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. Therefore, seeking experienced legal representation is a critical step in protecting your rights and your future.

What To Do If Your Case Is In Warrant Status

If your ticket was past due and in warrant status, don’t panic.  An attorney can easily remove the warrant without it impacting your permanent record.  It is crucial that you do not simply go to Arlington Municipal Court and pay the ticket off.  If you make this mistake, then the case will be reported to your permanent record.  Once it is paid, there is no way legally to reverse the conviction.  Convictions can be used against you to suspend your driver license, deny employment, deny housing opportunities and reject immigration applications.  Remember, just because a case is ticket, does not mean that it can’t have a substantial impact on your life.

The smarter way to resolve a ticket in Arlington that has gone into warrant is to have a lawyer file an appearance bond to remove the warrant.  Appearance bonds allow the warrant to be lifted without a case being reported as a conviction on your record.  The appearance bond essentially resets the case to the beginning and allows a lawyer to appear in court on your behalf to try to negotiate a deal to protect your record.  For that reason, it is highly suggested to consult a lawyer to discuss the filing of an appearance bond on your behalf if your case is in warrant status.

How Do Lawyers Protect Your Record In Arlington Municipal Court?

Lawyers fight to protect a client’s record in a number of ways.  The way used can depend on a range of factors.  First, what type of case is it?  Fighting to protect a client from a theft conviction can be significantly different than fighting to protect a client’s record from a speeding conviction.  Depending on the the type of charge, the attorney will normally tailor a defense based on the offense.  Typically this defense is focused on 2 factors.  These factors are:

• Preserving a client’s right to procedural due process.
  • This essentially ensures that the prosecution affords you all the constitutional rights you have related to notifying you of the charges against you and allowing you to view the evidence against you.  If these rights cannot be afforded to you, then the case will normally be dismissed based on a constitutional violation and the protection of your rights.
• Factual dismissals
  • Factual dismissals are usually what you think of when discussing the case with your lawyer.  For example, arguments based on the officer not using the radar or lidar gun correctly.  Evidence showing that you were not the person who assaulted another, but were acting in self defense.  Evidence showing that you did not steal an item.  All of these types of arguments and evidence are factual in nature.  These types of dismissals can be costly, due to the fact that a trial may be necessary to establish the facts.
• Negotiated deals
  • The most common way to protect a client’s record is to negotiate a deal that allows the client to serve some type of punishment, but to avoid the conviction.  Driver safety courses are a great example of this type of deal.  Deferred adjudication can be another alternative where the client agrees not to get any other violations for a period of time and to pay a deferral fee.  If all the conditions of deferred are met, then the case will be dismissed at the end of the deferral period.

Beltz Law Group: Your Dedicated Defense in Arlington Municipal Court

At Beltz Law Group, we understand the stress and uncertainty that come with facing any criminal charge. Our experienced team of attorneys is well-versed in the intricacies of the Arlington Municipal Court system and has a proven track record of providing effective defense for individuals charged with offenses in this court. We are committed to offering our clients personalized legal strategies and zealous advocacy tailored to the unique circumstances of their case.

Our firm’s ability to effectively assist those charged in the Arlington Municipal Court is built upon several key strengths:

• In-Depth Understanding of the Local Court: We possess a thorough understanding of the Arlington Municipal Court’s procedures, the personnel involved, and the common practices employed. This local insight is invaluable in navigating the legal process efficiently and effectively.
• Comprehensive Case Analysis: We take the time to meticulously examine the details of your case, scrutinize the evidence presented, and identify any potential legal defenses that may be available.
• Strategic Negotiation Skills: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will work diligently to pursue the most favorable outcome possible for your case. This may involve seeking a dismissal of charges, negotiating for reduced charges, or reaching a beneficial plea agreement when appropriate.
• Aggressive Trial Advocacy: If your case proceeds to trial, we are fully prepared to vigorously defend your rights in the courtroom. We will present a strong and compelling case on your behalf and challenge the prosecution’s evidence effectively.
• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize clear and consistent communication with our clients, ensuring that you are informed and involved at every stage of the legal proceedings. We understand the anxiety that legal matters can cause and are dedicated to providing support and guidance throughout the process.

If you or someone you know is facing a criminal charge in the Arlington Municipal Court, it is essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Do not attempt to navigate the complexities of the legal system on your own. Contact Beltz Law Group today for a confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and explore the available legal options.

You can reach us at 214-321-4105.

Let the experienced team at Beltz Law Group be your advocate in the Arlington Municipal Court. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and working tirelessly to achieve the best possible resolution for your legal situation.