Driving Safety Courses (DSC) and Deferred Disposition options are available to those who are eligible. If all terms required by the court are successfully met, the case will be dismissed. 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 reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Driving Safety Courses
You may be eligible to take a Driving Safety Course or Motorcycle Operators Training Course (MOTC) to have your case dismissed. You may only take one course (either DSC or MOTC) each year in the State of Texas to have a case dismissed. You may, however, take more than one child safety seat course. If you are not eligible, you may be able to get a deferred disposition (see below)
Requirements:
-
The court must receive your request to take the course no later than the appearance date on your citation [Contact Information].
-
Only “moving violations” are eligible but you cannot take it if the violation is:
-
Speeding 25 mph or more above the posted speed limit
-
No insurance or failure to maintain financial responsibility
-
Leaving the scene of a collision
-
Passing a school bus, or
-
Cited while driving in a construction zone when workers were present
-
Violation must have occurred in a motor vehicle including a motorcycle (not Bicycle or other Non-Motorized Vehicle).
-
You (the driver) cannot have a commercial driver license (even if the violation happened while in your personal vehicle).
-
If you are a juvenile [see options for juveniles], you cannot sign up on your own but must come to court first.
-
You must have current, valid proof of insurance; except for military personnel.
-
You must currently have a Texas driver’s license; any other driver license is allowed for military personnel and their families.
-
You must be able to pay $111 (or $136 if violation was in a school zone).
-
You must complete the Driver Safety Course (DSC) Form and bring/send it to the court no later than the appearance date on your citation [Contact Information].
Deferred Disposition Requirements
The court offers the option to “defer” or postpone the disposition of your case and place you on probation for a specified period of time during which you must comply with certain terms and conditions. Terms vary depending on the type of violation and not all violations have this option. At the end of your deferral period, if you have successfully completed the terms of your deferral in a timely manner, your violation will be dismissed and notice will not be sent to the Department of Public Safety. Nothing will go on your record outside of the Austin Municipal Court.
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 reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Non-Eligibility:
You are not eligible for a deferred disposition on a moving violation if you:
-
Are charged with:
-
Speeding 25 mph or more above the posted speed limit
-
Leaving the scene of a collision.
-
Passing a School Bus.
-
Received your citation while driving in a Construction Zone when workers were present.
-
Have a commercial driver license even if the violation occurred while you were driving a private vehicle.
There may be other reasons you are not eligible for a deferred disposition. Each case is unique and must be reviewed prior to granting a deferred disposition. If you send in paperwork and are not eligible, you will be notified by mail to select another option to handle your case.
*Note: It is important to keep the Court notified of your current mailing address so you do not miss important correspondence.
Appearance at Court Required:
You must appear at court to request a deferred disposition if:
-
You are a juvenile (under the age of 17). As a juvenile, you must appear in person at the date and time assigned by the court prior to requesting a deferred disposition. Keep your address updated with the Court because notices will be mailed.
-
You are charged with a code violation (violation other than traffic, parking, red light camera, “no insurance”, no driver license or driving with license invalid, seat belt). You may contact the court to determine if you are required to attend an appearance docket.
Deferral Terms and Procedure:
The terms of the various deferred dispositions are listed on the forms. If you agree to the terms, submit the following by mail or in person:
1. Completed copy of the appropriate deferred disposition request form
2. Check or money order made payable to the Austin Municipal Court (cannot be paid online)*;
3. Copy of your insurance, driver license, or other documents as listed on the different deferred disposition forms.
Your case will be reviewed and, if you are not eligible for a deferred disposition, you will receive notice in the mail asking you to choose a different option. If you are eligible, a judge will consider your request and, if approved, you will have 90 days in which to complete your deferred disposition. You may see the status of your case at www.austintexas.gov/public.
*Note: If you cannot pay the required fee immediately, please contact the court.
Failing to Comply with the Terms
If you fail to comply with any of the requirements of the DSC or Deferred Disposition, your case will be set for a revocation hearing. The hearing is your opportunity to speak with a judge regarding why you failed to comply with terms of your DSC or deferred disposition. If you fail to appear at your hearing, a conviction will be entered, the conviction will be placed on your record, and, if there is still a balance on the case, a warrant for your arrest will be issued.
Payment Arrangements
If you cannot afford to pay your deferred disposition or DSC fee at the time you make your request, other arrangement may be possible. Please contact the court to see if you are eligible.
