The Richardson Municipal Court offers Safe Harbor Docket (a.k.a. “Walk-in” Docket or "Off" Docket) appearances every MONDAY from 8:30 am -10:30 am so defendants have an open forum opportunity to speak with the judge about resolving any outstanding matters pending in this Court.

Presiding Judge Thomas D'Amore advises that the Richardson Municipal Court will not arrest any defendants with outstanding warrants if they voluntarily come in to see the judge.

This is the perfect opportunity for defendants who have active arrest warrants from this Court to speak to the judge about their legal options, get information on how to resolve their case(s) and how to get their arrest warrant(s) lifted so they will not be arrested if stopped by the police.  

Individuals who do not want to invoke their legal right to trial, who plead “No Contest”, and need time to pay their fines, fees, and court costs, will be placed on a payment plan in order to assist with paying off all court costs and fines over a period, not to exceed 3-months. Under certain circumstances, the judge may allow a longer period of time to pay depending on the total amount owed and the defendant’s personal financial situation.

Defendants who are indigent (poor and/or unemployed) and unable to pay their fines or court costs, will be able to speak to the judge about their individual financial situation. If the judge makes a judicial finding that a defendant is indigent and unable to pay fine, fees, or court costs, the judge may offer alternatives to payment, such as allowing community service work. If approved by the Judge, all community service work must be for a non-profit organization and must be approved in advance by the Court.  In cases of extreme financial hardship, the judge has the authority (in accordance with state law requirements / restrictions) to decrease all or part of the fine and/or reduce the number of community service hours required, depending on the severity of the defendant’s financial situation.

Defendants who do not voluntarily appear to take care of their warrant(s), are subject to arrest in any public place, on any public roadway, and at their place of employment. Defendants who are arrested on a public roadway will be transported and booked into Jail, thereby resulting in possible impoundment of their vehicle. Once booked into jail, the defendant may have to post bail before being released.  

Defendants are encouraged to take advantage of this weekly opportunity to resolve any outstanding Richardson violation(s) in a safe environment without concern of arrest.  The Court is here to help all participants comply with their obligation to the Court and will work with each person individually to achieve compliance. 

You are encouraged to take the first step and attend the next Safe Harbor Docket...