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Home » Homeless Resources » Homeless Court

City of Fort Worth Homeless Court Information

Homeless Court Purpose and Description

People thrust into homelessness occasionally receive multiple tickets for Class C offenses that occur in Fort Worth. Since they lack the financial resources to resolve their cases, they do not appear in court and a warrant is issued for their arrest. They live in fear of being arrested and the arrest warrant prevents them from obtaining a driver's license, employment, housing, etc. The purpose of the Homeless Court Program is to remove barriers that result from these pending Class C offenses.

By participating in the Homeless Court program, a person who is homeless will not pay a fine or serve time in jail. Instead, the program combines a progressive plea bargain system, an alternative sentencing structure, and participation in program activities, such as life-skill classes, chemical dependency or AA/NA meetings, computer or English literacy classes, training or search for employment, counseling, or volunteer work.

  • This is a voluntary program.
  • No person who is homeless will be arrested when they appear in Homeless Court unless the person misbehaves in court (contempt of court).
  • Only Class C tickets issued in Fort Worth are eligible for Homeless Court, except for Class C offenses where there is a victim, such as theft or assault.
  • Successful participation in the Homeless Court program normally results in dismissal of the tickets.

Dates of Homeless Court

The City of Fort Worth's Homeless Court meets at 8:00 a.m. on the 4th Monday of each month. Compliance dockets (the docket at the end of the probationary period) meets at 1:00 p.m. on the 4th Monday of each month.

City of Fort Worth Municipal Court Homeless Court Info Line: 817-392-6990; fax (817) 392-7436

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are required when applying to the Homeless Court

Frequently Asked Questions

Question
City of Fort Worth
Homeless Court
Is homelessness a requirement? Yes (or housed through Directions Home)
Can homeless apply? Yes
How does person get into the court? Must access through a case manager.
When does person appear in court?
  1. Initially (after intake session with social service or community service coordinator), and
  2. After the end of the probationary period
Who screens applicant? Case manager at social agencies, shelters.
Can disabled apply? Yes
Types of offenses Class C Misdemeanors (with Fort Worth Municipal Court)