Bay City Municipal Court

Bay City Municipal Court cases in Matagorda County, Bay City, TX

Bay City Municipal Court is a municipal court serving the City of Bay City, Texas. It has limited original jurisdiction over fine‑only criminal matters occurring within city limits, including Class C misdemeanors under state law and violations of municipal ordinances. Common cases include traffic and parking citations, code-enforcement and animal-control violations, and fine‑only offenses such as public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The court does not handle family law, probate, general civil lawsuits, felonies, or higher‑grade misdemeanors. In addition to adjudicating these cases, the municipal judge performs magistrate duties-such as issuing warrants, conducting initial appearances, and setting bail-within the county under Texas law.

Bay City Municipal Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Bay City Municipal Court

Bay City Municipal Court provides front-line access to justice for Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance matters.

- Case types: traffic and parking citations; city code/animal control violations; state Class C offenses (e.g., public intoxication, disorderly conduct, minors in possession).
- Case filings and records: accepts complaints, pleas, and motions (continuance, discovery); processes appeal bonds; provides case information and certified copies.
- Protective orders: issues Magistrate's Orders of Emergency Protection after qualifying arrests.
- Court hearings: arraignments, pretrial conferences, show-cause/compliance dockets, juvenile appearances, and bench or jury trials.
- Jury services: juror summons, qualification, selection, orientation, deferrals/excuses, and compensation.
- Compliance and payments: fine payment, payment plans/extensions, deferred disposition, driver safety course, community service, and indigency determinations.
- Warrants and bonds: alias/capias pro fine warrants, warrant recall, bonds, and magistrations.
- Accessibility: interpreter services and ADA accommodations.