Municipal Court

Docket Processing

Our docket is processed according to Judge Richard Cope, Jr's order. Roll call is performed by him in alphabetical order by last name. The court will then instruct each defendant to sign the necessary paperwork to complete the proper procedure depending on the defendant’s plea of choice.

Age Restrictions

If you are 16 years old or younger you must appear in court before Judge Richard Cope, Jr. with a parent or legal guardian. No exceptions are made.

Appearance At Court Office Before Initial Court Date

If you would like to appear to the Court Office during working hours before your initial appointed court date you may do so for the following circumstances:

  • To request defensive driving
  • To pay your fine
  • To request a continuance (only one (1) request allowed and must be done by the close of business time on the day prior to your scheduled court appearance)
  • To set up a payment schedule
  • To request deferred disposition (must appear in person)

Helpful Information

Please note that if you appear on your assigned court date, there is a possibility that you could be in attendance for four to five hours depending on the circumstances of your citation. We process the cases as quickly as possible so that defendants are not detained any longer than necessary.

Judge Richard Cope, Jr. strictly enforces proper dress code in the Court. The following clothing articles are prohibited: shorts (any kind), hats (all types except religious headwear), muscle shirts and tank tops, torn clothing, flip-flops, and any item of clothing that displays offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist, gang-related, obscene language and/or graphics. Cell phones need to be on vibrate or silent mode during court and may never be used to take pictures or video in the courtroom. No chewing gum is allowed. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the courtroom, including but not limited to guns and/or holsters, knives, mace, scissors or medical tools, glass objects or containers, sharp objects (including tweezers, screwdrivers, knitting needles, etc.). Please note that you will pass through building security, including metal detectors upon entry to the building. This could include random searches of strollers, bags, purses, briefcases and any other personal items as required by security personnel. These security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all persons who enter the courthouse.

Vulnerable Population Notice

 Any Individual who: 

1.- is over age 65 or 

2.- has any serious underlying health conditions, such as: 

  • high blood pressure, 
  • chronic lung disease, 
  • diabetes, 
  • obesity, 
  • asthma, or 

3.- has an immune system that is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy, 

you are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to contact any Clear Lake Shores Municipal Court Staff Member at 281-334-2799 to identify yourself as a vulnerable individual and discuss alternate accommodations. 

Concealed Handgun & Open Carry Laws

Pursuant to Penal Code Section 46.03(a)(3), all firearms, including handguns carried by a person with a valid license to carry, are prohibited at Clear Lake Shores’ court and court office.

Texas Penal Code 30.06:

Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.

Código Penal de Texas 30.06:

De conformidad con el Artículo 30.06 del Código Penal de Texas (sobre el ingreso ilícito de un individuo con licencia de portación de armas cortas ocultas) una persona con licencia, según lo establecido en la Sección H, Capítulo 411 del Código Gubernamental de Texas (sobre la ley de expedición de licencia de armas cortas), tiene prohibido ingresar en esta propiedad con armas cortas ocultas.

Texas Penal Code 30.07:

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.

Código Penal de Texas 30.07:

De conformidad con el Artículo 30.07 del Código Penal de Texas (sobre el ingreso ilícito de un individuo con licencia de portación de armas cortas exhibidas públicamente) una persona con licencia, según lo establecido en la Sección H, Capítulo 411, del Código Gubernamental de Texas (sobre la ley de expedición de licencia de armas cortas), tiene prohibido ingresar en esta propiedad con armas cortas exhibidas públicamente.