Judge Merrick Wayne Money

Applies to

Written consent

Written consent from both the defendant and the parent is required for diversion eligibility.

Applies to

Diversion agreement

The written diversion agreement must identify the diversion period, which may not exceed 180 days, and clearly describe the diversion, offense, and charge.

Applies to

Diversion agreement

The diversion agreement must identify the child’s and parent’s responsibilities and include their written acknowledgment and agreement.

Photos must be taken of the place of service and vehicles there, and a skip trace of the defendant must be obtained.

One alternative-service method is first-class mailing to the defendant at the property and leaving the citation and petition there with a person at least 16 years old.

Another alternative-service method is first-class mailing to a specified address and affixing the citation and petition to the property's front entryway or, if fenced and gated, to the gate.

Parties communicating with Court Staff may not record, tape, or photograph by any means.

Beginning April 1, 2025, communications between the Court and litigants must use E-File Texas (preferred), email, or fax and include a valid email address.

Pro se litigants and attorneys must communicate electronically with the Court through E-File Texas (preferred), email, or fax, and litigant communications must include a valid email address.

Fee

50

The Justice Court may collect a $50 administrative fee if payment is an accepted term of the diversion agreement.

The fee must be waived if the child’s family is indigent, and diversion may not depend on payment of a fee.

The Justice Court must maintain records of all fees paid.