Courtroom RulesNo food or drinks, tank tops, shorts, back packs or purses, electrical devices or cell phones.
No exceptions! Payment of Court Fines and Fees:
The Court now accepts Credit Cards in the form of Mastercard, Visa or Discover. There will be a $4.00 convenience fee charged on all card transactions. Payments will be accepted by mail, over the phone or in person. Cash, money orders and cashier checks are also accepted. If you mail your payment in please make sure to reference the citation number. Please do not send cash in the mail. The Court also has a drop box located outside by the front doors.
Traffic Citations and Continuances:
500 Hillside Dr500 Hillside Dr
Traffic Court is held on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. There is a mandatory appearance for all citations involving traffic accidents, property damage, and driving on a no valid, suspended, or revoked driver's license. You must appear on the date and time of your citation. At traffic court you are advised of your rights and the charges against you. If you plead "guilty" or "nolo contendere" (no contest), a sentence will be imposed at that time. If you plead not guilty, the matter will be set for trial. If you are charged with no insurance, unregistered vehicle, or no valid driver's license and you now have the required documentation, be prepared to present it to the Court. If you are unable to appear in Court on the date and time indicated on your citation, you may request a continuance over the phone (note: only one is permitted). Failure to appear or pay your citation may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Additionally, your driver's license may be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Criminal Arraignments are held on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. At an arraignment you are advised of your rights and the charges against you. If you plead guilty or "nolo contendere" (no contest), the Judge may impose a sentence at that time. If you plead not guilty, the matter will be set for a Bench Trial date. You must attend all court hearings or a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Family Court Matters
The Municipal Court does not handle matters such as Divorces and Annulments, Name Changes, Adoptions and Child Custody issues. The Eighth Judicial District Family Court handles all of these matters. A large portion of cases in the Family Courts are initiated and finalized by parties who do not have the benefit of working with the advice of counsel (pro se). These individuals rely upon the Family Law Self-Help Center for forms and information about the Family Courts. While the center does not offer legal advice, a wealth of information is available to pro se litigants.
The Mesquite Justice Court has responsibilities for matters ranging from felony arraignments and preliminary hearings to small civil cases (up to $10,000), small claims cases (up to $7,500) and landlord-tenant disputes. For more information go to Justice Courts Public Access.
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