NO cell-phones or pagers are allowed in the courtroom, even if they are turned off. Attorneys are required to wear a coat and tie at all courtroom proceedings. Defendants: No shorts, halter tops, hats, no tongue jewelry, no facial studs or piercing, no tank tops, sun dresses or any clothing which exposes the midriff on males or females. Any clothing with alcohol or drug related logos are NOT allowed in the courtroom. No gum chewing and no small children are allowed in the courtroom.
Criminal Cases:
Defendants in criminal cases are required to be present for all settings of their case. Settings for defendants that are incarcerated are held on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. except during Jury Week. If a Plea is elected during a court setting, the costs of the court will be payable on that day. Please have proper identification (Drivers license or I.D. Card). Any necessary payment arrangements on a balance will be determined by the Collections & Compliance Department. There will be no payment terms longer than three (3) months. Payments can be made with cash, major credit cards, or money orders. NO personal checks are accepted.
Justice of the Peace/Municipal Court Appeals: (speeding, fail to yield row, etc.)
Plea Agreements on these cases can be arranged through the County Attorneys office. Appeal Pre-trials are normally held on the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Civil Cases:
The Court requires an Agreed Scheduling Order to be submitted with the clerk of the court. Pursuant to an answer being filed, the case is set for a scheduling conference. Filing of an agreed scheduling order with the Clerk’s office will negate the need for parties to appear at the scheduling conference. If no scheduling order is filed, the case will be set for a pretrial hearing to determine if it should be placed on the dismissal docket.
Civil/Probate Court Fees:
These fees vary greatly depending on particular circumstances and requirements. For correct fees, you will need to contact the Civil Section in the County Clerk’s office.
Criminal Court Fees
To make payments on fines and court costs on-line,
click here, and use BUREAU CODE 1121840. To get the EXACT fees on a particular case, please contact the Criminal Section in the County Clerk's office. Court Costs average from $300.00 up to just over $400.00 depending on the offense and warrants issued. If a defendant elects to plea on any given day, the costs of court will be payable on that day. Be prepared to pay at least $500.00 although your fine and court costs may total more or less than that amount. Any necessary payment arrangements on a balance will be determined by the Collections and Compliance Division (325-659-6469). There will be no payment terms longer than three (3) months. Payments can be made with cash, major credit cards, or money orders. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. IF all court costs and fines are not paid within 30 days, a $25.00 time payment fee is added. There is also a $2.00 fee added EACH time a payment is made.