Traffic violations can be unexpected and very stressful, but there are ways to fight your ticket and potentially have it not show up on your driving record. Whether you've received a traffic ticket or are facing a DUI charge, knowing which courthouse to visit, how to look up your traffic ticket, and how to fight a traffic citation can come in handy. We'll cover the important things to know about what to do if you receive a traffic ticket in Galveston County.

What Courthouse Hears Traffic Ticket Petitions and DUI Cases?

In Galveston County, traffic ticket petitions and DUI cases are generally handled by the Galveston County Justice of the Peace Courts. These courts are responsible for hearing various types of cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small claims. It's important to verify which precinct your ticket falls under to verify you're going to the right courthouse.

Justice of the Peace Court Precincts

Galveston County is divided into different precincts, each precinct having its own Justice of the Peace (JP) Court. The specific precinct where your case will be heard depends on where your traffic violation occurred. Here is a list of JP Courts throughout the county:

1). Precinct 1: Located in Galveston, this court handles cases from the southern part of the county.

2). Precinct 2: Situated in Texas City, it serves the central region.

3). Precinct 3: Found in La Marque, covering parts of the northern area.

4). Precinct 4: Located in League City, this court deals with cases from the northeastern section.

How to Look Up a Traffic Ticket in Galveston County

If you've misplaced your traffic ticket or need more information about your case, you can look it up online. Galveston County provides an online case search tool that allows you to view details about your traffic citation. Here are the steps to lookup Your traffic ticket:

1). Visit the Galveston County Website: Go to the official Galveston County website and navigate to the "Justice of the Peace" section.

2). Access the Case Search Tool: Use the case search tool to enter your citation number, driver's license number, or license plate number.

3). Review Your Case Details: Once you've entered your information, you can view the specifics of your ticket, including the court date, the fine amount, and any additional instructions.

How to Fight a Traffic Citation in Galveston County

If you want to contest your traffic ticket for any reason, here's how to fight it in court:

Know Your Options

1). Plead Not Guilty: By pleading not guilty, you are requesting a trial to contest the ticket. You can do this online, in person, or via mail.

2). Request a Pre-Trial Conference: Before going to trial, you can request a pre-trial conference to discuss your case with the prosecutor. This may lead to a reduction in charges or a plea agreement.

3). Hire an Attorney: Consider hiring a traffic attorney who specializes in specific cases. This can be expensive so it's usually only for the more serious DUI and reckless driving type cases.

Steps to Contest Your Ticket in Court

1). Notify the Court: Inform the court of your intention to plead not guilty. This can typically be done online, by mail, or in person.

2). Prepare Your Case: Gather evidence that supports your claim, such as photographs, witness statements, or any relevant documents.

3). Attend the Trial: On the trial date, present your case to the judge. Be respectful and concise in your arguments.

Possible Outcomes

1). Dismissal: If the judge finds in your favor, your case may be dismissed.

2). Reduced Penalty: The judge might reduce your fine or penalty.

3). Upholding the Ticket: If the judge rules against you, you will be responsible for paying the fine and any additional court costs.

How Can I Find Out If Someone Has a DUI in Galveston County?

A quick and easy way to find out if someone has a DUI or DWI is to use a public records website. Since DUIs and traffic citations are considered public records, you can find out through most any public criminal records site. These resources allow users to look up anyone's DUI record with a simple name search.

Traffic Ticket Search