Court Procedures

Municipal Courts are the judicial branch of city government. In addition, the Municipal Court is part of the state judicial system. Municipal Courts hear Class C Misdemeanor criminal cases, including traffic violations, for which the maximum fine, upon conviction, does not exceed $500, and for which no jail sentence may be assessed. They also hear cases involving violation of city ordinances, which may have fines up to $2,000 for certain offenses.

Arrest Warrants

Once a citation has gone into warrant status additional fees will be added to the fine amount and court costs. If you have an active warrant with the Town of Westlake Municipal Court, please contact the court office at (817) 430-0861  to find out what options are available to you.

Court Appearances

If you were issued a citation, you must appear or dispose of your citation by on of the available options prior to the court date found on your citation. 

Court Staff Roles

The Municipal Court performs the duties necessary to support municipal judicial functions, assist the public, and manage court operations. Westlake Municipal Court interprets and adjudicates applicable state laws, and supports the local community by providing efficient and effective services through the promotion of justice. In addition to providing fair and equal access to all citizens, the court strives to facilitate the timely disposition of cases with prompt and courteous service.

Juveniles/Minors

State law requires all Juveniles and Minors to appear in open court. A Juvenile must also appear in open court with a parent or legal guardian.

Plea Options

Under our American system of justice, all persons are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. Your decision concerning which plea to enter is very important. Please consider each plea carefully before making a decision.

Pre-trial

A pre-trial hearing is a meeting between the Defendant and the Prosecutor. Article 28.01, C.C.P., provides that a “court may set any criminal case for a pretrial hearing before it is set for trial upon its merits, and direct the defendant and his or her attorney, if any of record, and the State’s attorney, to appear before the court at the time and place stated in the court’s order for a conference and hearing.”

Trial

A trial in Municipal Court is a fair, impartial, and public trial as in any other court. Under Texas law, you may be brought to trial only after a sworn complaint has been filed against you. You may be tried only for what is alleged in the complaint.