Your Rights and Appeals

You have many rights as a defendant in municipal court:

• You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  
• You have the right to testify on your own behalf or refuse to do so without consequences.
• You have the right to retain an attorney, but you are not required to do so.  
  
• You have the right to represent yourself as a pro se defendant.  
• You have the right to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. 
• You have the right to receive a copy of the complaint before trial as well as other information the state has about your case (discovery). 

Your rights during trial:

• You have the right to a jury trial or a trial before a judge.
• 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 own behalf or refuse to do so without consequences.
• You have the right to subpoena and call witnesses to testify on your behalf. 
• You have the right to appeal. 

APPEAL INFORMATION

Your right to appeal a conviction from the City of Rowlett Municipal Court of Record is outlined in V.T.C.A. Government Code, Chapter 30.

If you have questions about your legal rights or whether you should appeal, please consult a licensed private attorney of your choice. 

The Rowlett Municipal Court of Record does not provide forms for any document required for your appeal.  All due dates are strictly enforced.

Court Clerks are NOT authorized to give legal advice.  Due to the complexity of the appeal process you are encouraged to seek legal advice from a licensed attorney for any questions you may have.

If you need the services of an interpreter, please notify the municipal court staff at the time of your request for a court date.  If you have questions about your rights, you may hire an attorney.