Matagorda County Texas

Monday - Thursday 

7:30 am - 5:30 pm 

Closed on Fridays

2025 MATAGORDA COUNTY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

We accept cash, money order and cashiers check 

FOR ONLINE PAYMENTS

www.certifiedpayments.net

or by phone 1-866-539-2020
Bureau Code: 5521695
Reference Number: Driver's License or Citation Number

SCHEDULE OF FINES FOR PARKS AND WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT. #3
ALL SHRIMPING VIOLATION = $289.00
ALL OYSTERING VIOLATION = $289.00
ALL BOATING VIOLATION = $189.00
ALL FISHING VIOLATION = $189.00 
ALL HUNTING VIOLATION = $189.00
All SHRIMPING AT NIGHT $289.00-$589.00 CONTACT OUR OFFICE PRIOR TO PAYING

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*YOU MUST APPEAR ON OR BEFORE THE DATE ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR CITATION

• TO PAY THE ABOVE FINE AMOUNT 
• TO MAKE A PARTIAL PAYMENT AGREEMENT
• TO REQUEST COMMUNITY SERVICE.
• (PAYMENT AGREEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE MUST BE REQUESTED IN PERSON ONLY)
  * CALCULATING COMMUINTY SERVICE $100.00 = 8 HRS EXAMPLE $175.00 = 14 HRS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
• * IF YOU WISH TO MAKE PAYMENTS YOU MUST APPEAR IN PERSON BY THE COURT DATE TO SIGN THE PARTIAL PAYMENT AGREEMENT.
  
  *ONLY DISMISSABLE OFFENSE IN IS THE TEXAS CERTIFICATE OF NUMBER THIS MUST HAVE BEEN VAILD ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE OFFENSE AND MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE COURT BY THE APPEARANCE DATE.
  **IF THE ABOVE IS DONE THE COURT WILL DISMISS THE CITATION AND CHARGE ONLY A $10.00 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
  MANDATORY BOATER EDUCATION AND FINE REQUIRED
  ANY PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OPERATING VIOLATION 31.106
  RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT OPERATION 31.094
  EXCESSIVE SPEED 31.095
  RECKLESS OPERATION AND EXCESSIVE SPEED 31.096
  HAZARDOUS WAKE OR WASH 31.098
  CIRCULAR COURSE AROUND FISHERMAN OR SWIMMER
  INTERFERENCE WITH MARKERS OR RAMPS
  OBSTRUCTING PASSAGEWAYS
  OPERATING BOATS IN RESTRICTED AREA
  OPERATING VESSELS IN SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING AREAS
  SKIING DURING ILLEGAL HOURS OR IN A MANNER THAT ENDANGERS LIFE OR PROPERTY
  *THESE VIOLATIONS REQUIRE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN APPROVED BOATER EDUCATION COURSE AND FINE. FAILURE TO COMPLETE THE BOATER EDUCATION COURSE WITHIN 90 DAYS WILL RESULT IN COMMITTING AN OFFENSE THAT IS A PARKS & WILDLIFE CLASS A MISDEMEANOR.

STANDING ORDER AND PLAN FOR MATAGORDA YOUTH DIVERSION PROGRAM

JP3 2025 Matagorda Youth Diversion Plan and Order

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. 3 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 jp3@co.matagorda.tx.us or call 361-972-5313.

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.