Municipal Court

The information supplied concerns the cases filed with the Municipal Court for the City of Bonham, Texas. The charges consist of fine only Class C Misdemeanors including Traffic, Texas State Penal Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Education Code and City Ordinance violations.

Charges filed in this court are filed by the Bonham Police Department, the Bonham Independent School District Police Department, the Bonham Fire Marshal's Office, the Bonham Animal Control Officers, local Code Enforcement and Health Inspectors.

InformationFor Your Convenience, We Accept Visa and MasterCard

Plea Options

You are required to enter one of the following three pleas in person before the Judge or in writing when appearing on your citation:

  • Nolo Contendere: A plea of nolo contendere means that you do not contest the charge against you. You will be found guilty and should be prepared to pay the fine.
  • Guilty: By a plea of guilty, you admit that the act is prohibited by law and that you committed the offense.
  • Not Guilty: A plea of not guilty means that you deny guilt and require the State to prove the charge. Your case will then be set for trial either before a jury or the court.

Trial Procedures and Court Decorum

General Procedure

All persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. You have a right to have a trial before a jury or the court where the State must prove you guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” of the offense with which you are charged. You are given a date to appear before the Judge on your citation, at which time the Judge will set a date and time for your trial. For more information, please call the Court Clerk at 903-583-2071.

Court Decorum

Attire

All persons entering the courtroom shall be dressed in clean, neat, and appropriate attire that shows dignity and respect for the Court. Unacceptable attire includes but is not limited to:


  • Hats, caps, head rags, shorts, cut-offs, baggy pants, muscle shirts, tube tops, halter tops, and flip-flop style shoes
  • Clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, obscene, or suggestive words, slogans, depictions, or pictures, including grotesque creatures
  • Clothing that is too short, low-cut, or tight

Rules of Conduct

The following rules apply to all parties entering the courtroom:


  • Cell phones are not allowed in the courtroom.
  • No recording devices are allowed without judicial approval.
  • You are subject to search. Other than law enforcement personnel, weapons are prohibited in the courtroom and court building
  • No smoking or use of tobacco products on city premises
  • No food or drinks are allowed in courtroom.
  • Do not interrupt or talk at the same time as the judge, counsels, witnesses, or other court personnel.
  • Do not argue with the Judge
  • Do not engage in conversation with other parties during the court hearing unless it is with your legal counsel or directed by the Judge
  • No gestures, facial expressions, or sounds indicating approval or disapproval.
  • Do not read newspapers, magazines, books, etc. in the courtroom during proceedings.
  • Do not leave the courtroom without the permission of the Judge or bailiff.
  • Do not approach the Judge’s bench or court clerk without permission.