SAFE HARBOR WALK IN DOCKET

LIBERTY HILL MUNICIPAL COURT TO OFFER

“SAFE HARBOR” BEGINNING NOVEMBER 1, 2022

The court is implementing a 1:00 PM “walk-in” docket on regular court dates so defendants can see the judge and discuss their options on their cases.

Presiding Judge Kevin Madison announced today that Liberty Hill Municipal Court will not arrest any defendants with outstanding traffic warrants if they voluntarily come in and schedule a time and date to see the judge.  

This is an opportunity for defendants who have active arrest warrants from the court to speak to the judge about their legal options, get their cases resolved, and get their arrest warrants recalled and lifted so they will not be arrested if stopped by the police. Additionally, defendants who come in and get their cases resolved will be able to get their driver’s license hold cleared by the court. 

Individuals who do not want to invoke their legal right to trial, who plead “No Contest” and want to pay their fines and court costs, will be placed on a time-payment plan to pay off all court costs and fines over a three-month period. In special situations the judge may allow a longer period of time depending on the amount owed and the defendant’s financial situation.

 Defendants who are indigent (poor and/or unemployed) and unable to pay their fines or court costs, will be able to speak to the judge about their financial situation. If the judge makes a judicial finding that a defendant is indigent and unable to pay the fine and court costs, the judge may offer alternatives to the payment of a fine, such as allowing community service work, which is credited at the rate of $15.00 for every hour worked. All community service plans must be for non-profit organizations and must be approved by the court.    

In cases of severe financial hardship, the judge has the authority to decrease the fine or number of community service hours required depending on the severity of the defendant’s financial situation.  In severe hardship situations the judge may discharge all or part of the fine and court costs, pursuant to Article 45.0491, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. 

 Defendants who do not come in voluntarily, to take care of their warrants, are subject to arrest in any public place, on any public road, and at their place of employment. Defendants who are arrested will be transported and booked into the county jail. Their cars may be impounded if the arrest takes place on a public roadway. Once booked into jail, defendants may have to post bail before being released.  

Honorable Kevin R. Madison

Presiding Judge