Choosing How to Proceed With Your Citation

When you receive a citation from the City of Aledo Municipal Court, you are required to enter a plea. Your plea determines how your case will proceed through the court process.

You may choose from the following options:

A plea of guilty is an admission that the act is prohibited by law, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act.

A plea of Guilty may be used against you later in a civil suit if there was a traffic accident (another party can say you were at fault or responsible for the accident because you pled guilty to the traffic charge).

If you enter a guilty plea, the Court will assess a fine and court costs as allowed by law. The case will be closed once all amounts due are paid or otherwise resolved.

A no contest plea means you do not contest the citation issued against you. You will almost certainly be found guilty of the charge, unless you are eligible and successfully complete a driving safety course and/or court-ordered probation.

A no contest plea is treated the same as a guilty plea and will result in a judgment being entered and the assessment of a fine and court costs, as allowed by law.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt and may not be used against you in a civil case arising from the same incident.

A plea of not guilty means that you are contesting the charge and requesting a trial.  You are informing the court that you deny guilt or have a defense in your case, and that the City must prove the charges against you. 

If you enter a not guilty plea, your case will be scheduled for a court hearing. At that hearing, the City must present evidence to support the charge. You may present evidence and witnesses on your behalf.

You may also have the option to resolve your case before trial depending on the circumstances of your case and Court procedures.


How to Submit Your Plea
You must enter your plea before your scheduled court date or at your required appearance.
Plea options may be submitted in the following ways:

In Person
You may enter your plea at the Municipal Court Clerk’s Office located at 200 Old Annetta Rd., Aledo, TX 76008.

By Mail
You may submit your Plea Form, total payment, and a copy of your Driver's License to Aledo Municipal Court, PO Box 1, Aledo, Texas 76008.  This option is not available to juveniles and minors.

If you are unsure which option applies to your case, contact the Municipal Court before your scheduled appearance date. Court staff can provide procedural information but cannot provide legal advice.