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Deferred Disposition
Deferred Disposition is an option available on certain offenses to allow the Defendant a chance to keep the offense from appearing as a conviction against the defendant’s driving or criminal record.
Deferred Disposition may be requested online, by mail, or in person at the Court Clerk's office within 30 calendar days from the date of the offense or the appearance date listed on your citation.
You are eligible for Deferred Disposition if:
- You did not posses a CDL license (Commercial Driver's License) on the day of the offense or currently posses a CDL license;
- You have not participated in a Deferred Disposition program in the city of Alvarado within the last 12 months (the 12 month period is calculated from the date of the first citation to the date of the second citation);
- You are not currently participating in a Deferred Disposition program in the city of Alvarado;
- You are not charged with speeding 30 miles or more over the posted speed limit or speeding 95 miles per hour or more; (PLEASE NOTE: If you are charged with speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, you will not be able to use the online portal for this option and will need to call and speak with a court clerk)
- You are not charged with a violation occurring in a construction zone with workers present;
- You are not charged with Passing an Emergency Vehicle;
- You have not already paid your fine which resulted in a final conviction in this case.
Eligible offenses will be required to pay all assessed costs, fees, and fines associated with the offense plus a $50.00 special expense fee immediately. If additional time to pay is needed, please contact the court at (817) 790-3223 to speak with a court clerk about available options.
If you were under the age of 25 years at the time of the offense and are charged with a moving violation, you will be required to complete a 6 hour Driving Safety Course in addition to the below conditions.
The deferral period is typically three (3) months but can last up to six (6) months where you must not receive any additional citations in the city of Alvarado. Other conditions may also be imposed to qualify for Deferred Dispositions and are dependent upon the violation.
At the end of the deferral period, provided you have met all the conditions of your probation, the judge will dismiss your citation without a final disposition. Dismissal of the citation is not reported to the Department of Public Safety, and thus, the offense is not recorded on your driving and/or criminal record.
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with any condition of the deferred order will result in the offense being scheduled for a Show Cause Hearing to discuss your case with the judge as to why your Deferred Disposition should not be revoked. A letter will be mailed to the last known address provided to the court.
Failure to appear at this hearing will result in a final judgment of guilty being entered for the offense. The guilty conviction will be reported to the Department of Public Safety and will appear on your driving and/or criminal record. You may waive your right the the Show Cause hearing by signed the waiver on your Show Cause Notice or by writing to the court to waive your hearing and accept the conviction on the offense.