Deferred Disposition

Requesting Deferred Disposition

You may wish to request for deferred disposition to keep the offense you have been charged with from appearing on your driving and/or criminal record. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT SURCHARGES

What is the status of the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP)?
The Driver Responsibility Program has been repealed. Effective September 1, 2019, all DRP surcharge suspensions will end. 

How does this affect me?
After September 1, 2019, all surcharge assessments will be waived and no future surcharges will be assessed after. You will still be responsible for any other suspensions, fines or fees on your driving record.

Does this mean I no longer need to make a surcharge payment?
The DRP program is repealed on September 1, 2019. You are still required to pay your surcharge installment payments until that date. 

Does this mean I do not have to pay my reinstatement fee or ticket?
This repeal only applies to surcharges and you are still responsible for all other obligations including non-surcharge related suspensions, fines or fees. 

What is the status of my driving privilege?
To check the status of your driving privilege or pay reinstatement fees, visit texas.gov/driver. You will need your DL/ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. Please be aware driver records update on a daily basis. The information on this site reflects the status of your driver record as of today. Any additional convictions reported by a court after today could cause additional enforcement actions or fees on your record. We recommend you verify your status on September 1, 2019. 

Along with your plea of either guilty or nolo contendere, your request for deferred disposition may be submitted online or in writing (PDF) (in person or via mail or fax). All requests for deferred disposition must include a copy of your valid driver's license.

Please allow the court three (3) business days to respond to an application for deferred disposition. If you have not heard from the court in that time, please call 817-985-2141. The case is suspended for a period of time (anywhere from 1 to 180 days) set by the judge. Fees are assessed as a penalty to include a special expense fee as prescribed by the judge. The judge may require additional conditions, such as no additional charges filed within the city during the deferral period, alcohol and/or tobacco awareness, community service hours, submittal to counseling and/or anger management classes, or any other condition deemed reasonable by the judge. Anyone under the age of 25 must complete a driver's safety course as a term of probation.

Upon satisfactory completion of the court's orders, the judge will dismiss your case.

Requirements

In order to request deferred disposition, you will be required to do the following:

• Appear on or before your initial appearance date in person or in writing
• Enter a plea of guilty or no contest
• Meet any additional conditions or requirements of the judge
• Not currently be on probation in the City of Kennedale
• Pay the court costs, fine and a special expense fee
• Submit a request for deferred disposition (MUST include copy of valid driver's license)
  either online; or in person or via mail or fax (PDF)
• Waive the right to have a trial before the judge or jury

Offenses Not Qualifying For Deferred Disposition

In order to request deferred disposition, you must not have been charged with any of the following:

• Anyone who holds a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at the time of offense
• Any traffic offense committed in a construction zone
• Failure to Give Information at accident scene
• Fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer
• Leaving the scene of accident
• Passing or overtaking a school bus
• Reckless driving
• Serious traffic violation as defined by the Transportation Code, which applies to drivers with a CDL
• Speeding 25 mph over the limit or more

Note: As of September 1, 2003, you are not eligible for Deferred Disposition if you possess a Class A or B driver's license, even if you are in a personal vehicle (refer to Article 45.051 (B) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure).

Failure to Comply

If you fail to comply with the conditions or requirements as ordered by the judge, you will be required to appear before the court and show cause as to why you have failed to complete the terms of your probation set forth by the court. If you do not appear for the Show Cause Hearing, it shall result in a conviction on your record and increased fines. A Capias Pro Fine warrant may be issued for your arrest and you may also be denied renewal of your driver's license until you have paid or disposed of your case.