Matagorda County Texas

Instructions on how to pay online

To pay online scan QR code

FORMS OF PAYMENT

Cash

Debit/Credit Card

Money order or Cashier's check 

Make out money order or cashier's check to:

JP2 Matagorda County

CALL JP2 OFFICE FOR BALANCE INFORMATION

979-863-2035

MUST BE THE EXACT AMOUNT

MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE TICKET NUMBER OR DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER

Mission Statement

The Justice of the Peace for Matagorda County, Precinct 2, is committed to serving both residents and visitors of Matagorda County, Texas. As the “People’s Court,” we emphasize professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency in all our endeavors. Our focus is to provide fair and impartial resolutions for Class “C” misdemeanor offenses and civil litigation within Precinct 2. We are dedicated to upholding justice through a transparent and respectful judicial process, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

Organizational Values

The organizational values of Matagorda County, Precinct 2, Justice of the Peace Office are centered around integrity, fairness, and accessibility. These values guide our mission to serve the community with impartiality and respect, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity.

1. Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our actions, making decisions based on truth and honesty. Our commitment to transparency fosters trust within the community.

2. Fairness: We believe in equal treatment for all, regardless of background or circumstances. Our processes are designed to ensure that justice is administered without bias, promoting a sense of equity and accountability.

3. Accessibility: We strive to make our services available to everyone, ensuring that all community members can access justice easily and without barriers. This includes providing clear information and support throughout legal proceedings.

4. Respect: We treat all individuals with courtesy and consideration, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person. Our interactions are guided by empathy and understanding.

5. Community Engagement: We value collaboration with community members and organizations, seeking input and feedback to improve our services. By engaging with the public, we work towards a justice system that reflects the needs and values of the community.

6. Continuous Improvement: We are dedicated to ongoing training and development, ensuring that our staff is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the best possible service.

By embracing these values, the Justice of the Peace office aims to foster a fair and just legal environment where all individuals can seek resolution and support.

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 Nolo Contendere (No Contest). Fine and court cost will be assessed. 

For Guilty or Nolo Contendere Plea Form click HERE.

2.     Not Guilty, your case will be set for a Pre-Trial Hearing with the Assistant District Attorney.

For Not Guilty Plea Form click HERE.

Alternatives to Payment of Fines and Court 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 court costs, in whole or in part.

Alternative methods include:

1.     A payment plan, allowing the defendant to make payments toward the fine and court costs in designated intervals. Note that if any amount is paid more than 30 days after the judgment assessing the fine or court costs then a $15 time payment fee is assessed.

2.     A disposition of the amount assessed by performing community service. There are many options that meet the requirements of the law for community service, See Code of Criminal Procedures Art. 45.049 for full details. A defendant is entitled to a minimum of $100 credit for every 8 hours of community service performed.

3.

 Driver Safety CourseRequest, please review the following instructions.

Click HERE for Driving Safety Course Instructions.  

Driving Record Form: click HERE

Must be completed and submitted to our court for review.