Criminal
The information presented on this website from the Wheeler County Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, is being given to aid you in taking care of the alleged violation with which you have been charged, without appearing in court.
Do not contact the Court to discuss evidence (your side of the story). The Judge cannot talk with you regarding testimony or evidence (Ex-Parte).
Plea of Not Guilty: A plea of not guilty means you are informing the Court that you deny guilt or that you have a defense in your case and that the State must prove its charges against you. If you plead "not guilty" your case will be scheduled for the next available trial docket.
Plea of Guilty: A guilty plea is a defendant's admission that they committed the crime they are charged with and agree to waive their right to a trial. It also means that the defendant accepts responsibility for the alleged offense and admits that the act is illegal and that they have no defense or excuse for it. A guilty plea is considered a conviction and will be recorded on the defendant's criminal or driving record.
Plea of Nolo Contendere: A plea of nolo contendere is a legal defense in which a criminal defendant neither admits nor denies guilt but instead waives their right to a trial and accepts the punishment.
If you choose to plead not guilty:
- It is up to the State of Texas to prove your guilt to either the Judge or a jury. As the defendant, you have the choice of a jury or bench trial.
- Tell the Clerk of the Court, and she will supply you with the proper forms to set your case for trial.
- You must appear at the next Docket Call.
- It is improper for the Judge to discuss any of the facts of the case with either you or the State, except in open court with both you and the State’s attorney present.
If you choose to plead guilty or nolo contendere:
- If you wish to discuss your case with the Judge before paying the fine and costs, tell the Clerk of the Court, and they will arrange for you to see the Judge.
- If you possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and current liability insurance, you may be eligible to take, under certain conditions, a driving safety course to have a moving violation dismissed. If you wish to exercise this option, please tell the Clerk of the Court, and they will supply you with the proper forms.
- If you need more than 10 days to pay the fine, tell the Clerk of the Court, and they will assist you in setting up scheduled payments. An additional fine may be added if your case is open for more than 30 days.
- If you are indigent and cannot pay a fine, the Clerk of the Court will arrange for you to see the Judge concerning your legal options.
Deferred Disposition
A Deferred Disposition is a type of probation that allows the Court to withhold a sentence and dismiss charges if a defendant meets certain conditions. Please contact the court to see if you qualify for a Deferred Disposition.
WHEELER COUNTY JUVENILE CRIMINAL DIVERSION PLAN HB 3186 - EFFECTIVE DATE JANUARY 1, 2025
Plea Form
You may print out the plea form above and mail/email it to the Court at:
Wheeler County JP1
PO Box 452
Wheeler, TX 79096
wjp1@co.wheeler.tx.us