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Trial Process
Overview
Under Texas law, you may be brought to trial only after a sworn complaint is filed against you. A complaint is a document that alleges the act you are accused of committing and that the act is unlawful. You may be tried only for what is alleged in the complaint.
Rights in Court
You have the following rights in Court:
For more information, contact the Municipal Court at (972) 317-3660.
Under Texas law, you may be brought to trial only after a sworn complaint is filed against you. A complaint is a document that alleges the act you are accused of committing and that the act is unlawful. You may be tried only for what is alleged in the complaint.
Rights in Court
You have the following rights in Court:
- You have the right to inspect the complaint before trial and have it read to you at the trial.
- You have the right to a jury trial, if you so desire.
- If you choose to have a jury trial, you have the right to question jurors about their qualifications to hear your case.
- You are permitted to strike three members of the jury panel for any reason (except an illegal reason such as solely upon a person's race or gender).
- If you think that a juror will not be fair, impartial, or unbiased, you may ask the Judge to excuse the juror. The Judge has the authority to grant or deny the request.
- You have the right to hear all testimony introduced against you.
- You have the right to cross-examine witnesses who testify against you.
- You have the right to testify on your behalf.
- You have the right to not testify. If you choose not to testify, your refusal to do so may not be held against you in determining your innocence or guilt.
- You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf at the trial. You may also request that the court issue a subpoena (a court order) to any witnesses to ensure their appearance at the trial. All requests for subpoenas must be in writing.
For more information, contact the Municipal Court at (972) 317-3660.