DEFERRED DISPOSITION / PROBATION

Certain offenses, CDL (commercial driver's license) holders, and persons under the age of 25 may not qualify for this option.

Defendants who enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere/no contest are generally eligible for deferred disposition or probation to keep the offense from appearing on their driving and/or criminal records. A request for deferred disposition/probation must be submitted in writing by mail or made in person at the Court clerk's office within 22 calendar days of citation. Click here deferred disposition/probation form.

Cost & Fees

The State court costs and a deferred disposition fee will be due to the Court upon granting of a request for deferred disposition/probation. Because the costs and fees will vary according to the offense cited and the facts and circumstances of your case, you will need to contact the Court to learn the exact amount of the deferral fee owed for your citation(s).

Deferred / Probation Conditions

If your request for deferred disposition is granted, you will be placed on probation for a period of time not to exceed 180 days (generally 90 days). As a condition of your probation, you must not receive any additional citations in the City of Burleson, including parking tickets, during the deferral period. Other conditions may also be imposed to qualify for deferred disposition. Any conditions or terms required to successfully complete the deferral period will be provided to you in writing by the Court. In addition, you will be required to read and sign the deferred disposition Order acknowledging receipt of the information needed to satisfy your deferral terms. If you are under the age of 25 you will be required to complete defensive driving.

Citation Dismissal

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 offenses are not recorded on your driving and/or criminal record.

Failure to Comply

If you fail to comply with any oOctober 6, 2008 scheduled on the "show cause" docket and will have to appear in Court to discuss your case with the Judge. Your probation will not be automatically revoked.

However, if you do not appear at this hearing, a final judgment of guilty will be entered .Without further notice a capias pro fine warrant [see Warrants] for your arrest may be issued immediately. The guilty conviction will be reported to the Department of Public Safety and will appear on your driving and/or criminal record and may result in the assessment on your driver's license of a surcharge under the Driver Responsibility Program.

[see Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act Notification]