May 20, 2011 - At a news briefing today (Friday, May 20), representatives from the Houston Police Department, Houston Municipal Court and Harris County Precinct 1 urged individuals with delinquent citations take advantage of a city-offered amnesty program.  Individuals have from now until June 4 to take care of their overdue citations before HPD officers will begin an increased effort to serve warrants for their arrest.

Photos from today’s news briefing are attached to this news release.

“Our message is simple,” said HPD Captain Jonathan Zera.  “Anyone with overdue citations needs to take care of them now, before the amnesty period ends.  Afterwards, HPD will have officers serving warrants throughout the city.  Please avoid the potential embarrassment of being arrested in front of co-workers, friends, or family and take advantage of this program while it is offered,” he added.

Deputy Constables from Harris County Precinct One will also take part in the warrant round up.

“I urge individuals who have delinquent cases at the Municipal Courts to take advantage of the Amnesty Program,” said Judge Barbara E. Hartle, Director and Presiding Judge of the Municipal Courts Department.  “This cost-saving program has a limited time span, so I encourage individuals to contact the Municipal Courts as soon as possible to determine if they are eligible to participate and to settle their court matters at a reduced rate,” Judge Hartle added.

For more information on the Amnesty Program contact the Houston Municipal Courts at 713-837-0311 or go to their website https://www.houstontx.gov/courts/



2011 Amnesty Program FAQ’s



Why are you doing this?

To close cases for which all other means of resolution have been unsuccessful.

What kinds of cases are eligible for Amnesty rates?

Most delinquent traffic, non-traffic and parking citations that were delinquent on or before February 28, 2011 will be eligible for Amnesty discounts. Previously adjudicated cases, capias pro fine cases and Red Light Camera citations are not eligible for Amnesty. Citizens may visit the Municipal Courts website or call 3-1-1 to find out if they have eligible Amnesty cases.

What do I do if I have a parking citation?

To receive Amnesty rates, parking citations must be paid in person at a Parking Management office or Municipal Court facility. Parking citations that were delinquent on or before January 13, 2011 are eligible for Amnesty rates.

How can I find out if I have warrants? 

Dial Houston’s Helpline at 3-1-1, visit the website at or visit any City of Houston Municipal Court location (see chart below).

What are my options if I find out I do have warrants?

You may pay the fines at the applicable Amnesty rates. You may also be able to obtain a bond and have your case(s) reset for a new court date. You always have the option to seek legal advice from an attorney.

If I come to court to pay, will I be arrested?

No, it is better to come in voluntarily to resolve cases.

If I want to pay for my delinquent cases/warrants, what are my payment options?

Payment options are as follows:

ONLINE –

BY PHONE – Call 713.837.0311 or 3-1-1 (6am- 8pm, Monday thru Friday)

BY MAIL - Municipal Courts, AMNESTY PROGRAM, P.O. Box 4996, Houston, TX 77210-4996

WESTERN UNION (Ticket Texas)

IN PERSON – at any of the six court locations listed:

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, money orders, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

After I pay, how long will it take for the information to be removed from DPS records?

The Department of Public Safety will clear holds on driver’s licenses within 5 to 7 business days.

KJS/JKS/GG  5-20-11