Municipal Court

What Is the Municipal Court?

The Municipal Court of Kress is the local court responsible for handling Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations that occur within city limits.
It is the first level of the Texas court system and is designed to provide fair, timely, and unbiased justice for the community.

What the Municipal Court Handles

The court typically oversees:

• Class C misdemeanor criminal offenses

• Parking violations

• City ordinance violations

• Animal control and code compliance violations

• School-related offenses (when applicable)

• Failure-to-appear or failure-to-pay cases

The court does not handle felonies, Class A/B misdemeanors, family court matters, or civil lawsuits.

Role of the Municipal Judge – Judge Kelly Dunbar

Judge Kelly Dunbar serves as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Kress.
The Judge’s responsibilities include:

• Presiding over hearings, arraignments, and trials

• Determining fines or alternative sentencing options allowed by law

• Ensuring proceedings follow Texas state law and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure

• Protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals

• Remaining neutral, fair, and independent in each case

The Judge cannot:

• Give legal advice

• Discuss your case outside of court (no “ex parte” communication)

• Reduce or dismiss charges without proper legal basis

• Speak for the prosecutor or law enforcement

Your Rights as a Resident

Residents appearing in Municipal Court have the right to:

• Be informed of the charges against them

• Enter a plea (Not Guilty, Guilty, or No Contest)

• Request a trial before the Judge or a jury

• Present evidence and witnesses

• Retrieve court documents upon request

• Seek legal representation

• Ask for payment arrangements or alternative sentencing (if eligible)

Your Responsibilities

Residents must:

• Appear on their scheduled court date

• Follow courtroom rules

• Keep their address updated with the court

• Pay fines or complete court-ordered requirements on time

• Be respectful toward the Judge, Court Clerk, officers, and all attendees

Failure to appear may result in:

• Additional fines

• A warrant

• Loss of alternative payment options

What You CAN Do in Municipal Court

• Dress appropriately and behave respectfully

• Arrive early and check in with court staff

• Bring any documents, photos, or evidence

• Request clarification on procedures (not legal advice)

• Request a payment plan or community service, if eligible

• Ask for an interpreter if needed

• Address the Judge as “Your Honor”

What You CANNOT Do in Municipal Court

• Speak out of turn or interrupt court proceedings

• Approach the Judge without permission

• Use phones, recording devices, or cameras (unless permitted)

• Argue with court staff or other attendees

• Bring weapons or disruptive items

• Attempt to negotiate charges with the Judge outside official proceedings

• Ignore court summons or deadlines

Courtroom Behavior Expectations

To maintain order and respect for the judicial process:

• Remain seated and quiet unless called forward

• No food, drinks, or tobacco products

• Children must remain quiet and supervised

• Hats should be removed inside the courtroom and dress appropriately

• Follow all instructions from court staff and the Judge

Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the courtroom or contempt proceedings.