Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Mission Statement

The City of Willis Municipal Court is dedicated to upholding the integrity, impartiality and independence of the judiciary system. The Court will avoid impropriety, and diligently strive to attain civic compliance.

GENERAL INFORMATION

If you have received a citation from a City of Willis Police Officer please allow two (2) business days before contacting the court to allow time for the submission of citation.

IT IS YOUR LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO READ OVER ALL INFORMATION AND PAPERWORK YOU RECEIVE.

Failure to appear by you initial appearance date as indicated on your citation constitutes a separate offense and may result in additional fines, cost, and/or warrant(s) being issued for your arrest. If a warrant for arrest is issued, you will be subject to arrest at your home, place of business, or wherever you may be found. A telephone call will not constitute a lawful appearance!

Inability to pay this fine is not an excuse for failure to appear at the Municipal Court to answer this charge. Extensions to pay may be granted upon eligibility/judges approval.

Remember, only the defendant (individual who received citation/person of 17 years and older) may make arrangements on their violations. Arrangements or information will not be made/given to any other individual regardless of whether or not that individual is a legal spouse or parent.

If you are 16 years of age or younger, you may not pay the fine before being adjudicated in court. All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their cases. A legal parent/guardian must be present in court with their child

Honorable Judge Lanny Moriarty

Judge Moriarty will not and cannot legally discuss any aspect of any violation prior to arraignment. Law prohibits any ex-parte communications. Please contact the Municipal Court for appointment and court proper procedures.

PLEAS

Under or American system of justice, all persons are presumed to be innocent
until proven guilty.

Plea of Guilty
By a plea of Guilty, you admit that the act is prohibited by law, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act.

Plea of Nolo Contendre or No Contest
A plea of No Contest means that you do not contest the State’s charge against you.

Plea of Not Guilty
A plea of Not Guilty means that you are informing the court that you deny guilt or that you have a defense in your case and that the State must prove what it has charged against you. If you plead Not Guilty, you will need to decide whether to hire an attorney to represent you.

Your decision concerning which plea to enter is very important. Please consider each plea carefully before making a decision. If you plead “Guilty” or “Nolo Contendre” in open court, you should be prepared to pay the fine and court costs.

Payment of your fine is your LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY!

Remember to always show good faith/effort to the court that you are willing to pay your assessed fines. The judge may conduct an indigency hearing at any time to determine whether or not you are financially able to pay the fine. You may be required to provide answers to questions regarding your income, resources, employment, family size, etc. This information will assist the Judge in determining your financial situation and your capability of paying your fine.

A CONVICTION OF AN OFFENSE UNDER A TRAFFIC LAW OF THIS STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE MAY RESULT IN THE ASSESSMENT ON YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE OF A SURCHARGE UNER THE DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM.

COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS

EXPIRED INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
The violation may be dismissed if, the vehicle was inspected before the initial court appearance date, and was not expired more than 60 days, accompanied by a $20.00 dismissal fee.

EXPIRED REGISTRATION
The violation may be dismissed if, the vehicle was registered before the initial court appearance date, sufficient proof is submitted to the court, and a penalty was paid to the tax assessor office, and accompanied by a $20.00 dismissal fee.

EXPIRED DRIVERS LICENSE
The violation may be dismissed, if before the initial court appearance date, sufficient proof is submitted to the court, and a $20.00 dismissal fee

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY / NO INSURANCE
The violation may be dismissed, if sufficient proof of a valid insurance policy on the dates and time of the citation is presented to the court on or before initial court appearance date and after verification from the insurance company. All insurance documents will be verified for validity on the day and time of the alleged violations.