Welcome to La Porte Municipal Court of Record 

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.

If you have an arrest warrant please come to the courthouse and request a court date. Your warrant will be cleared and you will be set to an Arraignment Docket.
 

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.
 

Right to Discovery (CCP 39.14)

A Defendant has the right to request from the state (prosecutor) all documents, items, and information regarding his/her case that is in the possession of the state; and, the state is required to provide the defendant with the documents, items and information requested. A defendant waives the right to discovery when the fine is paid.