Asked in Criminal Law, Agricultural Law and Environmental for Texas

Q: I got a warning but no citation, do I have to appear in court?

I got a warning from a TPWD Game Warden for no hunter's safety certificate. I was told to email proof of completion to the local judge and the issue would be resolved, i wouldn't have to appear in court (I have already done so). There is a handwritten appearance date at the bottom, what do I do?

3 Lawyer Answers

A: Call the court and make sure that you don't have to appear

A: Your question is a bit confusing.

It sounds like you received a Warning from the Officer, with the condition that you send your proof of the safety class to the judge. You then seem to say you went to court as noticed. So if you did not yet go to court, then you need to send your proof of the safety class. If did not take the class, or you don't expect to mail in your proof, then you will need to go to court as noticed.

If you still have time to take the class and send in proof of the same, save your time and mail it in, certified mail.

Don't wait.

A: It sounds like an implication that charges could be filed in the future unless you take the class and send proof. Texas law gives an officer at least two years to file formal charges, even if no citation was issued during the investigation.

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