Please read the following carefully.

Once you receive a ticket from a law enforcement agency and it is filed with the justice of the peace in Gregg County, Texas you need to enter a plea to the court:

All pleadings of the defendant in justice court may be oral (if you come into the office) or in writing (if you are mailing) as the defendant may elect.

1. Guilty: A plea by which a defendant confesses to the crime with which the defendant is charged.
   
   
   If you wish to enter a plea of Guilty: mark it on the plea form provided. Refer to the fine schedule to determine the total amount of your fine. If your violation is not listed contact the court. Mail the ticket, plea form and money to the judge whose name appears on your ticket by the due date.
   
   
   
2. Nolo contendere (no contest): A plea in criminal cases in which the defendant does not contest the charge against the defendant; nolo contendere has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.
   
   
   If you wish to enter a plea of No Contest: mark it on the plea form provided. Refer to the fine schedule to determine the total amount of your fine. If your violation is not listed contact the court. Mail the ticket, plea form and money to the judge whose name appears on your ticket by the due date.
   
   
   
3. Deferred adjudication: A punishment alternative similar to probation whereby a guilty criminal defendant is required to live under certain conditions imposed by the court, and no final judgment is ever entered unless the deferred adjudication is revoked. (example: driving safety course)
   
   
   • If you wish to attend a driving safety course or a motorcycle operator training course you will have to meet the following requirments:
     
     
     1. You must have a valid Texas drivers license.
     2. You must furnish the court a copy of your liability insurance coverage.
     3. You must pay an administrative fee of $105.00 by money order or cashiers check.
     4. You must complete and submit the driving safety course form
     5. You will furnish a copy of your driving record which may be obtained at http://www.texasonline.state.tx.us

     You can not take the course if: you have taken the course in the last 12 months and if you are not currently taking the course for a ticket filed in another court.
     

     If you are charged with speeding 25-miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit you do not qualify.

     Once you have met all the qualifications listed above you may enter a plea of no contest and mail your driving safety course form, money order or cashier check, and a copy of liabilty insurance coverage to the judge whose name appears on your ticket. This must be done on or before the due date of the ticket. The court will require for you to have the course completed within 90 days. You will need to furnish the court with proof of completion, which is the court copy that the department of public safety mails to you from Austin, Texas.

   
   
   
4. Not guilty: A plea in which the defendant denies guilt.
   
   
   If you wish to enter a plea of Not Guilty and desire a trial, you must fill out the plea form and contact the court with the judge's name on the ticket by the due date on the ticket.

Please contact the appropriate court to receive information pertaining to your ticket.

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