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LA PORTE MUNICIPAL COURT DOCKETS SUSPENDED
(FIFTH UPDATE – 12/29/20)
Pursuant to the latest guidance from the Texas Office of Court Administration, effective January 1, 2021, La Porte Municipal Court has suspended all dockets until further notification. You will be notified of your new court date by mail, phone or electronic communication.
The Courthouse lobby will remain open to the public. Recognizing the need to ensure the health and safety of litigants, attorneys, visitors, court staff, judges, and other individuals entering the courthouse, La Porte Municipal Court will be following the guidance issued by the Office of Court Administration regarding social distancing and other restrictions. MASKS/FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WITHIN THE COURTHOUSE FACILITY.
Should you need to speak with a judge, please contact the court and appropriate arrangements will be made to accommodate your situation. This may include Zoom, teleconferencing or other reasonable efforts to conduct proceedings remotely.
Payments may still be made online at www.laportetx.gov, by telephone at 1-877-224-6076 (you will need your citation number and the amount of the fine), and in the drop box located in the Municipal Court foyer. The drop box located in the Municipal Court foyer remains available to the public 24/7 for payments and document deposits.
There are many matters that the court staff can assist you with without the necessity of appearance at a docket, please give us a call! We can be reached by telephone at 281/471-4683 and by email at court@laportetx.gov.
COVID-19 OPTIONS AVAILABLE THAT DO NOT
REQUIRE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE
All individuals are encouraged to call or email the court to take care of their court business. Phone: 281-471-4683, Email: court@laportetx.gov.
Request a virtual hearing via Zoom or teleconferencing, as appropriate. Contact the court at 281-471-4683.
Speak to the prosecutor directly by emailing ctaskins@swbell.net.
Pay your citation online at www.laportetx.gov.
Pay your citation by telephone at 1-877-224-6076.
Mail your information/payment to the court at 3005 N. 23rd St., La Porte, TX 77571.
Use the drop box located in the courthouse lobby that is accessible 24/7.
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.