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Alternative Means to Discharge Fines & Court Costs
Alternative Options-Financial Hardship/Indigent
The defendant will be required to submit proof of financial ability to the court with supporting financial documents. Upon receipt, the Collections Improvement Program (CIP) Staff will review submissions and forward appropriate information to the Judge for consideration.
The Judge shall inquire if you have sufficient resources to pay all or part of the fine and costs and, if the Judge determines that you do not, the Judge shall determine that the fine and costs should be:
- Payment Plan (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly).
- Discharged by community service.
- Waived in full or part.
- Any combination of all methods.
The Court will hear sworn testimony and look at your documentation concerning your financial situation to help you resolve this matter.
Apply
You may appear in person, submit your Request for Alternative Options electronically, or print out the Financial Payment Ability Form (fillable PDF), and mail it to the court at P.O. Box 110, Sugar Land, Texas 77487. Submitting false information to the Court constitutes the crime of tampering with a governmental record, punishable by incarceration and/or imposition of a fine (Section 37.10 P.C.).
Supporting Documentation Required
Supporting documentation is based on the Financial Payment Ability Form you completed and must be brought with you to your hearing (copies will remain in your case file). No exceptions. Failure to bring all documentation to your hearing shall result in your hearing being denied. You are expected to be prepared.
Examples Include: Federal income tax return, 3 months of a statement of wages (pay stubs), 3 months of bank statements, and all financial assistance (food stamps, WIC, Medicaid) received. To view more examples of required financial supporting documentation click here.
Disclaimer: Proof of all monthly income and expenses is required.
Payment
If you are not indigent or found to have sufficient resources to pay you are expected to make full payment as determined by the Judge.
Community Service, when approved by the Judge, can be performed in lieu of payment. Approval for community service must be requested prior to performing the service. Community service should be performed at one of the Approved Community Service Agencies.
Community service must be performed at 501 c3 non-profit organizations. Should you need to perform your community service with a non-profit agency that is not listed on one of the approved listings, you must get prior approval to use an alternate agency. This can be done by completing the Request For Alternative Community Service Location Form. All requests are subject to approval.
Disclaimer: Defendants with Court Ordered Community Services Orders and Final Orders for the Satisfaction of Fines and Costs are not eligible for alternative community service locations. Hours must be completed at an approved location on the court's approved community service listing.