Disclosures and FAQ

Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP (“LGBS”) provides the following Disclosures and Frequently Asked Questions to assist you in resolving your case(s).

Disclosures

If a final judgement of conviction has not been entered in your case, you have the right to enter a plea or go to trial on any offense charged.

If you are unable to pay the full amount of payment that is acceptable to the court, you should contact the court regarding the alternatives to full payment that are available to resolve your case.

If you are now a debtor in bankruptcy, or if the debt(s) referenced in our communication have been through a bankruptcy proceeding, then our communication is for informational and verification purposes only, and is not a demand for payment nor an attempt to collect a claim. If you have filed bankruptcy, please notify us in writing and provide the bankruptcy case number along with the name of the court in which your bankruptcy case was filed. Please also include your LGBS account number. You can send this information to Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, 900 Arion Parkway, Suite 104, San Antonio, TX, 78216.

When you opt-in for text messages from LGBS, you are signing up to receive text messages related to your relationship with LGBS, including updates related to your account.

You can opt-out of text messages by texting STOP back to the number we texted you from. Your opt-out request will generate one final message confirming that you have been unsubscribed. You will no longer receive text messages from us. If you want to join again, contact our contact center or text HELP to the number we texted you from for instructions.

Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. Message frequency may vary. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

FAQ

The following is for informational purposes only; it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Why have I received a text notice from LGBS?

LGBS is a law firm that represents governmental entities in the collection and resolution of unpaid fines, fees and other receivables. These primarily relate to unpaid traffic citations, parking tickets, and tolls. You likely received a notice from LGBS because you have been identified as one who owes an unpaid receivable to a governmental client of LGBS.

What if I am financially unable to pay the fine?

If you are not taking steps to resolve your case or comply with a court order because you are financially unable to do so, we urge you to contact the Court. You may request a hearing before a Judge to consider your ability to pay. At that time you may have the opportunity to request any alternative compliance options available. You should be prepared to document and explain to the Court your financial situation.

Is LGBS a member of any industry associations?

We are members of ACA International (formerly, the American Collectors Association), National Association of Court Managers, Governmental Collectors Association of Texas, and Texas Court Clerks Association. For more information about our firm, please visit www.lgbs.com.

Does the LGBS call center service Spanish speaking individuals?

LGBS’s call center has bilingual collection staff on duty. Please contact the LGBS call center number provided in the text you received for assistance. LGBS also sends out letters for some of our clients in both English and Spanish.

How do I get to the proper court to pay my ticket?

The text you received has a link to the payment site. While our firm accepts payments for some clients, other clients require payment to be made directly with them.

If you choose to make a payment, you acknowledge you are satisfied with the information you have received in this case and are not making a request for discovery. Discovery is the process by which the defendant may request evidence related to the case from the State.

What is the total amount due for my ticket?

The payment site will provide you with the total amount due. Since our last communication with you, additional fees may have attached. Please note additional cases may be pending with the court which have not been referred to LGBS for collection.

Can I make a partial payment on the total amount due?

Each court handles this differently. Please contact the LGBS call center number in the text you received to see if partial payments are allowed on your delinquent account.

What payment methods are available to pay the fine?

Court policies vary. Generally accepted payment methods include: 1) Money order; 2) Personal check; 3) Credit/Debit Card; or 4) Electronic check payments. Online payments may be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Can I contest the charge of a traffic citation?

If a final judgement of conviction has not been entered in your case, you have the right to enter a plea of “Not Guilty” and go to trial on any offense charged. You may be required to post a bond by the Court. In the event you decide to plead “Not Guilty,” and desire a trial on the merits by means of a jury or bench trial, you must contact the Court. Of course, you can choose not to challenge the offense charged and plea “Guilty,” or “No Contest,” and pay the fine levied in your case.

In the event you do not enter a plea and simply pay the fine, that will constitute a finding of guilty as though a plea of nolo contendere (No Contest)] had been entered on the case(s) in accordance with Article 27.14 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Conviction of an offense under a traffic law of this state or a political subdivision of this state may be entered on your driving record with the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you have any specific question, you should contact an attorney about entering a plea.