Harlingen Municipal Court

Harlingen Municipal Court cases in Cameron County, Harlingen, TX

Harlingen Municipal Court is a municipal court of limited jurisdiction serving the City of Harlingen, Texas. It adjudicates Class C misdemeanor criminal cases punishable by fine only, including traffic citations, parking violations, and violations of state and local ordinances (e.g., code enforcement, public safety, and animal-control rules) occurring within city limits. The court conducts arraignments, accepts pleas, assesses fines, and may issue warrants in eligible cases, and it shares concurrent jurisdiction with justice courts over Class C offenses. It does not handle felonies, Class A or B misdemeanors, family law, probate, or general civil lawsuits; any civil jurisdiction is limited to specific matters authorized by statute.

Harlingen Municipal Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Harlingen Municipal Court

Harlingen Municipal Court serves as the city's court of limited jurisdiction for Class C misdemeanors and fine‑only offenses. It handles traffic and parking citations; city ordinance violations (code, animal, health/safety); and minor/juvenile offenses (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, curfew).

Public-facing services include:
- Case filings, pleas, and payments
- Requests for driving safety course, deferred disposition, payment plans, community service, and compliance dismissals
- Warrant processes (including capias pro fine) and magistrations

Proceedings include arraignments, pre‑trial conferences, show‑cause hearings, juvenile dockets, and trials before a judge or jury. Jury services cover juror summons, qualification, excusals, and jury trials. Acting as magistrate, the court issues warrants and Magistrate's Orders for Emergency Protection after qualifying arrests. The court maintains records, reports applicable convictions to state agencies, and provides information to the public.