Deferred Disposition is an option that will keep your citation from being reported as a conviction on your driving record and will be dismissed if all terms required are successfully met. If any requirements are not met and you cannot provide a satisfactory reason why at a hearing before a judge, you will be found guilty and a conviction will be reported to the Department of Public Safety. Not all violations are approved for Deferred Disposition.
Requirements to Request Deferred Disposition:
- The court must receive your request in person on or before your court date or by mail post marked on or before your court date.
- You must pay the all fees at the time of your request. The fine amount can be found under the Fine Schedule section listed on the web page.
Terms and Procedures:
- Once the court has received the above, your request will be reviewed and forwarded to the Judge to determine eligibility for the Deferral.
- You must not receive another similar violation during probationary period from the date of approval.
- If you are under 25 years of age, you must also take a driver’s safety course during your deferral period and submit proof of completion to the court before the due date if you have been charged with a traffic violation.
Non-Eligibility:
You are not eligible for Deferred Disposition if:
- You do not have a valid driver’s license; or
- Your license is suspended; or
- You received your ticket in a construction zone when workers were present; or
- You have been approved for Deferred Disposition in the City Port Lavaca within the last 12 months; or
- You were speeding 31 mile per hour or more over the speed limit; or
- You were speeding 16 miles per hour or more over the speed limit in a school zone; or
- You received a ticket for not having current liability insurance and you were involved in an accident; or
- You received a ticket for not having current vehicle liability insurance and you do not provide a copy of current vehicle liability insurance; or
- You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) even if the violation occurred while you were driving a private vehicle.
If you are not eligible for Deferred Disposition you must enter your plea in person or by mail. If you enter your plea by mail you must sign the bottom of your citation or write a letter including your plea and request.
Failure to Comply With Terms of Agreement:
If you fail to comply with any of the requirements of Deferred Disposition, your case will be set for a Show Cause Hearing. The hearing is your opportunity to speak with a judge regarding why you failed to comply. If you fail to appear at your hearing, a conviction will be entered and reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety
