Matagorda County Texas

Juveniles

If you are between the ages of 10 and 16 years old, you are considered a juvenile. 

If you are a juvenile and have been charged with an offense filed in this court, you must appear with a parent or guardian before the judge in open court when you enter your plea. The child and parent must appear even if a licensed attorney appears in court on behalf of the juvenile. 

Minors

A minor is a person aged between 17 and 21 years old.

All minor defendants charged with an alcohol-related offense must plea in person before the judge in open court even if the defendant wishes to be represented by a licensed attorney.

Juvenile Diversion Program

Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Juvenile Diversion Plan

Juveniles who have been charged with a non traffic offense for the first time may qualify to take part in the diversion program. This program gives an opportunity for the first-time offenders to resolve a citation without being formally charged in court. 

If you are interested or believe that you qualify for the program, email the clerks of the court at jp2@co.matagorda.tx.us or call 979-863-2035. Once you agree to take part, you will receive a Notice to Appear for a diversion meeting. At the meeting, the clerk will discuss with you the requirements and expectation to successfully complete the program.

If you need to return a Jury Summons to our office please use the following information.

In person: 2200 7th 4th Floor
 Bay City, Texas 77456

By mail: Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2
     P.O. Box 656
             Matagorda, Texas 77457

Office: 979-863-2035

Fax: 979-610-2379

If you have been issued a traffic citation, the following plea options are available:
 
1. Guilty or No Contest (fine and court costs are assessed) 
2. Not Guilty (your case will be set for a Pre-Trial Hearing with the Assistant District Attorney)

ALTERNATIVES TO PAYMENT OF FINES AND COSTS
A defendant who is convicted of a criminal offense punishable by fine only is entitled to alternative methods of satisfying the judgment against them if they are unable to pay the fine or costs, in whole or in part.

Those alternative methods include:
1. A payment plan, allowing the defendant to make payments toward the fine and costs in designated intervals. Note that if any amount is paid more than 30 days after the  judgment assessing the fine or costs then a $15 time payment fee must be assessed.
2. Disposition of the amount assessed by performing community service. There are many options that meet the requirements of the law for community service, see Art. 45.049 of  the Code of Criminal Procedure for full details. A defendant is entitled to a minimum of $100 credit for every 8 hours of community service performed. 
3.If performing community service imposes an undue hardship, a defendant who is  indigent or who lacks sufficient resources to pay may be entitled to a waiver of the fine  and costs, in whole or in part.

For Driver Safety Course Request, please review the following instructions.

Driving Safety Course Instructions

If defendant does not have sufficient resources to pay, an affidavit must be completed and submitted to our court for review. 

Affidavit of Indigence

What is a County Justice of the Peace?

• Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only.
• Hears civil cases with up to $20,000 in controversy.
• Hears landlord and tenant disputes.
• Hears truancy cases.
• Performs magistrate duties.
• Conducts inquests.

Visit the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association website to learn more.

Learn more at texascountiesdeliver.org