Virtual Court

Reasons to Make a Virtual Court Appearance

Enter a plea of NOT GUILTY and request a trial by judge or jury
Speak with the prosecutor after you enter a plea of Not Guilty
Enter a plea of GUILTY or NO CONTEST
Request deferred disposition probation in cases for which that option is not available without a court appearance
Appeal to the Judge for a fine reduction
Appeal to the Judge for payment terms different from those a clerk can approve
Request that the judge lift a City of McKinney warrant
Request a different payment due date or amount from that established in a previous judgment or payment plan. Be prepared to explain why a change is required
Request more time to complete community service, driving safety course, or other court ordered program
Required appearance by State law or Court policy for the charged offense

NOTE: The Court will make every effort to dispose of your case(s) at a Virtual Court Appearance, however that may not be possible in all circumstances.

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Virtual Court Appearances

Individuals may appear without an appointment during an Open Docket Session.
1. Consult the Court’s calendar for available Open Dockets sessions.
  • June 2020- PDF
  • July 2020 - PDF
2. During an Open Docket Session, visit the McKinney Virtual Court Room and enter the Meeting ID: 936 8378 0520.
Individuals scheduled for a virtual court appearance should go to the McKinney Virtual Court Room and enter the Meeting ID: 936 8378 0520 at the assigned date and time.
- If you will NOT be able to appear, you must contact the Court before your scheduled date to discuss options and/or request a reset.

You must have a webcam / built-in camera with sound and video on your device to make a virtual court appearance. The ZOOM app must be installed on the device before the virtual court appearance begins.

Minimum Tech Requirements for Making a Virtual Court Appearance.

McKinney Virtual Court Room

https://txcourts.zoom.us/j/93683780520

Meeting ID: 936 8378 0520

Visitors to the McKinney Virtual Court Room must follow court guidelines.

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Payment Requirements

Unless the Judge specifies otherwise, all amounts ordered to be paid are required to be paid immediately. If the Judge approves an extension to pay in full or a payment plan, the Judge may require immediate down payment. In addition, you will be required to complete a payment application in which you disclose certain financial information, detailed contact information, and references. If the Judge approves an alternative means for you to satisfy the judgment (e.g., community service) a clerk will provide further instructions.

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Virtual Court Appearance Guidelines

Virtual Appearances may last up to 60 minutes.
If you have a language barrier or disability requiring a special accommodation including translation services, contact the Court at least 72 hours before your Virtual Court Appearance.
Visitors are required to adhere to Courtroom Dress Code and Etiquette.
Treat Court staff and proceedings with respect at all times.
Avoid background noise and inappropriate or distracting background displays.
Give your full attention to the proceedings. Turn off and put away all distractions.
Recording the proceedings is prohibited.
Be patient. Technical issues may arise and cause delays.
State law requires court hearings be open to the public; therefore, all Virtual Court Appearances are streamed live to YouTube. Proceedings are not recorded.

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