Municipal Court

Mission Statement

The Bishop Municipal Court's operations are committed to providing quality customer service to all who appear in the court while we diligently execute the administrative duties of the Municipal Court as set forth by law. We promise to be innovative in creating methods and techniques that allow us to be more responsive to the needs of the public.

The Municipal Court is the judicial branch of the government of the City of Bishop. The courts adjudicate Class C misdemeanor cases, most of which are criminal, including traffic, city ordinance, state code, juvenile, parking and disabled parking. It is committed to administering justice in a fair, efficient, and timely manner. Court services are increasingly available online, by telephone, and through the mail which contributes to compliance in a customer service and eco­friendly way.

Paying Ticket Options

You can appear for a citation in court before your court date, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am -5:00 pm at 203 E. Main St.  There are several options available for satisfying the fine and court costs that are associated with your citation. You can pay the full amount, request an extension of 30 days to pay the full amount, or request time payments. Be aware that if you request time payments a one-time $25 fee will be added to each violation and you will be required to make four equal payments, one each month, until the total is paid off.

Deferred Disposition and Defensive Driving Options

If you would like the violation to not appear on your driving record, you have two options; Deferred Disposition or Defensive Driving. If you request Deferred Disposition you will be responsible for the fine and court costs and will be placed on 90 day probation. Your driving record must be clean to receive Deferred Disposition and you must be over 25 years of age.
Defensive Driving is available to anyone who has a valid driver license and insurance. Choosing this option will allow you 90 days to complete the course and request a certified copy of your driving record from the Department of Public Safety in Austin. You can only take Defensive Driving once every 12 months and court costs must be paid at the time of your appearance. Requests for extensions on Defensive Driving must be made before the Judge in court. Both of these options are primarily for moving violations that will appear on your driving record if you are convicted.
*If you hold a Commercial Driver's License, you are not eligible for deferred disposition or defensive driving.

Request a Trial

You may plead Not Guilty and request a trial. You have the right to a jury trial or you can waive that right to have your case heard before a judge.

Court Payments

For payments, the Court accepts cash, money order, check, credit cards. If you are mailing your payment make the money order or check out to Bishop Municipal Court and mail to:

Bishop Municipal Court
203 East Main
P.O. Box 356
Bishop, Texas 78343

Please include a copy of your citation or write the citation number on the money order.

Credit Card Payments

Click on the link below and be sure to have your ticket number on hand when paying in this manner.

Credit Card company charges $3.00 per hundred.

Court Information and Responsibilities

CONTACT THE COURT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF RECEIVING YOUR CITATION FOR YOUR COURT DATE. The court will not mail out a reminder to appear in court. When you appear in court you must be punctual, no gum chewing, no cell phones or pagers and no halter tops, short shorts, or caps.

The Bishop Municipal Court does not provide or give legal advice. You may make your appearance in writing, in person, or through an attorney.

If you decide to appear in person, your appearance should be made on your court date and time.

Juvenile defendants (under 16 years or age) are required by law to appear before the court in person and with a parent or legal guardian.

Anyone under 21 years of age, but over 18 year of age, must appear in person before the Court

A telephone call does not constitute an appearance.

Court Rules

The following rules apply while in the Bishop Municipal Courtroom
  • No weapons of any kind are allowed
  • Exceptions - law enforcement personnel only
  • No gum, food, or drinks allowed
  • No smoking, or other use of tobacco products
  • Dress appropriately for court:
    • No bare feet
    • No shorts
    • No tank tops, halter tops, muscle or under shirts
    • No clothing with obscene, indecent, or gang related clothing
    • No clothing with profane words, language, or illustrations
  • Turn off all cell phones, pagers, and all other communication devices
  • No cameras allowed - whether still or video
  • No use of foul or profane language allowed
  • Any defendant under 17 years of age must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian

Contact Us

Full Name
Phone Number
Reply Email
Message

Contact Us:

Presiding Judge:
Delma Salinas
203 East Main
P.O. Box 356
Bishop, Texas 78343
Ph: 361-584-2567 ext. 110
Fx: 361-584-3253
Hours:
Monday -Friday
8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.


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