Tool Municipal Court

Kevin Pollock – Judge
Stacy Hamaker – Court Clerk
Phone: 903-432-3522 x 103

 

I Got a Ticket. Now What Do I Do?

Adults Have Three Basic Choices:

I’m 16 or Younger and I Got a Ticket. What Do I Do? 

Choices for age 16 and younger 

Tool Municipal Court

FAQ’s

What are my rights?

  • You have a right to enter a plea of “guilty”, “nolo contender” or “not guilty” to each offense charged, the right to consult an attorney and the right to a jury or non-jury trial. If you plead “not guilty”, you will need to decide whether to employ an attorney to represent you. You may defend yourself, but on one else except a attorney may represent you.

Where do I go to court?

  • All cases are heard at 701 N. Tool Dr. in the Municipal Court building. The law requires that you make an appearance either in person or by mail. A phone call does NOT constitute an appearance.

How long do I have to pay my ticket?

  • Twenty (20) calendar days from the date it was issued to enter a plea, pay your fine and costs or set a court date.

How do I pay my ticket?

Online
Night Drop
  • Front Door of City Hall
Mail
  • Tool Municipal Court
    701 N. Tool Dr.
    Tool, TX 75143
Payment Type Cash, Credit & Debit Card, Money Order and Cashiers Check   (No personal checks)
In Person
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm (open during lunch)Tool Municipal Court
701 N. Tool Dr.
Tool, TX 75143*Judge must authorize all in person appearances in advance.

What are my dismissal options?

No Driver’s License or No Insurance may be dismissed with proof that you had a valid driver’s license, financial responsibility, or insurance policy at the time of the offense. The courts will call to verify coverage on the date of citation in order for dismissal.

Expired Driver’s License may be dismissed upon payment of a $20.00 dismissal fee with proof that you renewed your license by the court date on the citation.

Expired Vehicle Registration may be dismissed upon payment of a $20.00 dismissal fee with proof of renewal of registration done by the court date on the citation. Registration must be renewed for a full year and penalties paid.

Defective Equipment may dismissed upon confirmation of repair by a visual inspection of the Court

Deferred Disposition is available to dismiss most offenses if you are not currently on probation for another offense within Henderson County. You must pay the equivalent of the window fine and costs as the special expense fee and not receive any citations for similar offenses within the State of Texas during the 90 / 180 day deferral period. You must request this option by the court date on the citation. This option is not available if you were speeding 25 miles an hour or more over the posted speed limit or if you held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense. Some offenses may have additional requirements.

Driving Safety Course may be used to dismiss one moving traffic offense. You must provide written request to the Court by the court date on the citation. You will be required to pay the administrative fee and court costs. This option is not available if you were speeding 25 miles or more over the posted speed limit or if you held a commercial driver’s license at the time of the offense. You may only take the driving safety course for dismissal of an offense once in a 12 month period. If approved you will be given 90 days to pay your fine, complete a state approved driver safety course and submit a certified copy of your driving record. A copy of your driving record can be purchased here: Texas Department of Public Safety

 

Do I have a warrants?

How do I take care of a warrant?

  • Pay Online: https://www.govrec.com/home/toolcitx
    • If you pay in full online, we recommend you contact the court to ensure that your warrants are pulled.
  • Call GHS Directly: 877-439-1900
  • Call Tool Municipal Court: 903-432-3522, extension 103

I was arrested, what do I do now?

    • Once released, you must make contact with the court within 5 days to finalize the terms of your release. Failure to appear may result in additional charges. Tool Municipal Court
      903-432-3522, extension 103
Miscellaneous Court Information

The City of Tool Municipal Court is responsible for the adjudication of Class C misdemeanors and other state and city ordinance violations punishable by fine only.  The court conducts preliminary and pretrial hearings and trials, collects fines and court costs and issues warrants of arrest and search.

Court is held Monday through Friday between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  All cases are heard at 701 N. Tool Dr. in the City Hall.  Trials are generally held once a month at 2:00 pm in the Oran White Civic Center which is located next door to City Hall.  The law requires that you make an appearance either in person or by mail; phone calls do not constitute an appearance.

The Tool Municipal Court has currently joined forces with GHS (Graves Humphries & Stahl, Ltd.) to collect on past due fines that are 30 days or older and in warrant status.  If you have received a Collection Letter, you will need to contact GHS (877-439-1900)  directly to make arrangements. All warrants that have been sent to collections are subject to a 30% collection fee.