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LA PORTE MUNICIPAL COURT
RESUMES NORMAL OPERATIONS JUNE 1, 2020
Beginning June 1, 2020, La Porte Municipal Court will resume “new normal” operations including arraignments, show cause, juvenile and attorney dockets. Also, dockets for code enforcement, pre-trial hearings and bench trials. Individuals have been notified by mail of their new court dates. Jury trials will resume no earlier than August 1, 2020. All individuals are strongly encouraged to call or email the court to learn about the options available to resolve a case without an in person appearance.
La Porte Municipal Court receives guidance from the Office of Court Administration, in consultation with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the local health authority. In accordance with this guidance, in order to protect the public and court staff from the spread of COVID-19, individuals will be required to wear face coverings in the courtroom. Face coverings are encouraged to be worn in the courthouse lobby.
If you are over age 65, or have a serious underlying health condition, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, or have an immune system compromised by chemotherapy for cancer, or have another condition requiring therapy, please contact Court Administrator, Cathy Haney, at 281/842-0401, to discuss alternate accommodations.
For additional information please contact the court at 281/471-4683 or court@laportetx.gov.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
If you are:
Over age 65, or
Have a serious underlying health condition, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, or
Have an immune system compromised by chemotherapy for cancer, or
Have another condition requiring therapy,
Please contact Court Administrator, Cathy Haney, at 281-842-0401 to discuss alternate accommodations.
Link: municipalrecordsearch.com/laportetx
About the Court
La Porte Municipal Court strives to provide a neutral, courteous, and fair forum for the trial of all Class C misdemeanor offenses arising under Texas civil and criminal statutes and City Ordinances.
The Municipal Court and its officers represent the judicial branch of the City of La Porte government. The court is dedicated to the principles of impartiality, fairness, and judicial independence.
Safe Harbor
La Porte Municipal Court and Morgan's Point Municipal Court are considered "Safe Harbors" and no defendants will be arrested due to outstanding local warrants.
Help for Self-Represented Litigants
The public has access to helpful tools for self-representation, as directed under Texas Senate Bill 1911, effective September 1, 2017. Visit the Texas Judicial Branch website for additional information. www.txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help/self-represented-litigants Notice of Alternatives to Full Payment of Fines or Costs
If you are assessed a fine and court costs as a result of a citation and you are unable to pay, please notify the court immediately. You may request a hearing before the judge. If you are determined by the court to have insufficient resources or income to pay, the court is required to provide you other ways to discharge the fine and costs.
Court of Record
On October 1, 2012, La Porte Municipal Court became a court of record pursuant to Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code.
In order to appeal a finding of guilt to County Court, a defendant should have a written record of the trial proceeding sent to the Appellate Court either by a court reporter's transcript or by an agreed statement of facts approved by the City Attorney.
A defendant may request a court recording in writing prior to commencement of trial. If no request for recording is made, it constitutes a waiver of record.