Houston offers spring cleaning savings on court orders

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you owe the City of Houston money, now's the time to pay up.

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Amnesty Program is underway. Court officials encourage anyone who has delinquent court matters to take advantage of this opportunity to resolve cases at a discounted rate.

You have until Friday, March 31 at 9 p.m. to take advantage of the savings.

"This is a very limited time frame to save a lot of money, hundreds of dollars in some cases, so please don't delay your decision to act on this great opportunity to resolve your court matters without fear of arrest," said Director and Presiding Judge, J. Elaine Marshall. "We are here to assist you and help eliminate your delinquent court cases. Citizens are urged to keep in mind that they may also come in and speak with a Judge during this amnesty period."

Most delinquent traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent before March 1, 2017 will be eligible for discounts.

Court officials warn it may be a while before another amnesty is offered.

To take advantage of this opportunity to resolve delinquent cases, you may pay by telephone, mail or in person.

For more information about City of Houston warrants or citations, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or contact City's Helpline at 311 or (713) 837-0311 if outside the City of Houston.

The City of Houston has answered many of the questions you may have:

Why are you doing this?

To resolve cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful and to assist the citizens of Houston with any lingering outstanding Municipal Court issues.

What kinds of cases are eligible for Amnesty rates?

Most delinquent traffic and non-traffic citations that were delinquent before March 1, 2017 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Previously adjudicated criminal cases, parking citations, administrative violations, and civil case violations are not eligible for this Amnesty. Citizens may call 3-1-1 to find out if they have eligible Amnesty cases.

What do I do if I have a delinquent parking citation?

Parking citations are not eligible for Amnesty. For additional information or assistance regarding paying your parking citation, please call 311 or 713.837.0311.

How can I find out if I have warrants?

Dial Houston's Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at www.houstontx.gov/courts or come in person to any Houston Municipal Court location.

What are my options if I find out that I have warrants?

You may pay the fines at the applicable Amnesty rates if your cases qualify. You may also be able to post a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You always have the option to seek legal advice from an attorney.

If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?

No. The City Houston Municipal Courts will not arrest individuals who visit our courthouse to inquire about their delinquent cases. We encourage everyone to come in voluntarily to resolve their cases.

If I want to pay for my delinquent cases/warrants, what are my payment options?

Payment options are as follows:

Pay by telephone by dialing the Houston Helpline at 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311

Mail payments Municipal Courts Dept., P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996

Pay in person at any one of six court locations

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, money orders, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

After I pay, how long will it take to clear my driving record through DPS?

The City of Houston Municipal Courts Department will forward the information to DPS upon payment of your case(s). Please allow 5 to 7 business days for your driving record to clear through DPS.