Does anyone know who sets the fees for tickets issued by TPWD? I received a ticket for insufficient lifejackets by TPWD a couple of weeks ago. It seems wierd that I am to mail a check to a judge, when the city or county did not issue the ticket. Also, the check is made payable to the individual, not the judge's office or city or county? Just wondering, and want to make sure this is how its supposed to be.

Thanks,
Trophyhunter

isn't there a number to call, I do that first. Or call the office of TPWD and talk to a boss. If all else fails call a news station,..sounds fishy.

Fines are set by JP, restitution is set by TP&W.
Check should be made payable to Judge Joe Blow, and be sure and put case number on the check.

The judge in each county determines the fine. If all else fails, call a news station?! How about calling TPWD? That makes more sense. 1-800-792-1112, follow prompts to law enforcement. Or it looks like there is a district office in San Antonio 210-348-7375. Good luck.

The justice of the peace (judge) is responsible for setting the fine amount. For TPWD citations, they are class C misdemeanors and the judge, at his discretion, can set the fine to be 25.00 to 500.00 plus court costs. What lake were you on? If it was Canyon Lake, then the judge will be Saunders or Schroeder, depending on the area of the lake you were contacted.

I got one on Somerville a few years back. I didn't have any in the boat, I had gotten very wet the last time I was out and I removed them from my storage to dry out and forgot that I hadn't put them back.

The warden was very nice and even loaned me some life jackets so I could continue to fish. The fine was $250 and I made the check out to a judge in either Brenham or College Station. I double check for the things before I leave home now. I mean 2x check.

Thanks to all who replied. It does sound a little fishy. I was Amistad, and there were 4 boats and 2 waverunners total. Somehow, one of the other boats got short on jackets, and there were two who needed to ride the waverunners back. No way was I going to let them ride back without a lifejacket! I gave up two of mine, and we drove back. On the way in, another bassboat in our group was stopped, and I slowed to make sure they were OK. As soon as I slowed, he let go of the other boat, and turned the lights on. Everything was fine until I got back to the dock, and found out that the other boat was also short on lifejackets, and was not given a ticket. Oh well. It has all been a little shady, with the JP's office, and then when I find out that the check is supposed to be made out to Joey Gonzalez, and not the city, county, TPWD, or even JP, I just wanted to check. $194 for the ticket-short 2 jackets.

Thanks Again,
David

TH---This does sound "fishy" I would confirm it.

Not much room for hanky panky with modern citations. It has been common place in Texas for years that checks/money orders for fines be made payable to the judge's name. Auto registration is handled in the same way. The JPs have to keep very detailed records of how recieved monies are handled and it is all public record. The Game Warden in that area will conduct a monthly report on what TP&W fines are paid (80% of the fine is remanded back to TP&W). Nothing fishy with that, there are a ton of checks and ballances. Remember it is better to find out you are short of PFDs by even getting a ticket that to discover it when involved a serious boat accident. Even we as enforcement officers have to do a quick inventory of our safety gear on boats before heading out, we could sink just like any other boater or fisherman.

Good fishin, Bo

When you write a check for your vehicle registration stickers, you make the check payable to the tax assessor, by name. So, probably nothing to worry about.
A simple call to the JP's office would easily answer your questions and end all of the speculation.

Joey Gonzalez is the JP for Precint 4. Amistad is in his area. It's on the up-and-up.

I think I prefer that we have to make out the checks to a person instead of some alphabet agency. When it comes time to TTBO, you know exactly who's gotta go.

Here is a can of worms.

NEVER just pay the ticket. Take it to court & make the state prove the case. More often then not, it will be dismissed.

The JP will ask the Game Warden what the fine should be for each offense when the Warden turns in the citations. Hint Hint, be nice to the warden.

The judge can decide to reduce the fine if you have a good case. Sounds like there were some mitigating circumstances in your situation. If you have the time to go before the judge then it might be worth your time.