Handling Criminal Fines in Texas Through Chapter 13 Plans

 Posted on November 21, 2025 in Bankruptcy

Most people think that bankruptcy only deals with credit card debt, medical debt, and other unsecured debt. What fewer people know is that filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Texas can sometimes help restore a suspended driver’s license when the suspension is related to unpaid criminal fines, surcharges, restitution, or court-ordered fees. While the state of Texas has eliminated the old Driver Responsibility Program, many Texas municipalities, JP courts, and county criminal courts still suspend drivers’ licenses for unpaid obligations.

A Chapter 13 repayment plan can create a structured, court-ordered path to resolve those debts, often restoring driving privileges far sooner than attempting to pay everything up front. If you want to know whether your criminal fines and resulting driver’s license suspension in Texas can be handled through Chapter 13, it is time to speak to a highly skilled Parker County, TX Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer.

How Do Criminal Fines and Restitution Orders Lead to License Suspensions in Texas?

In the state of Texas, a court can order a driver to pay fines, surcharges, and restitution as part of the criminal sentence. If the individual fails to pay these court-ordered financial obligations, the state agency is notified of the payment default or failure to appear.

In response, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can suspend the individual’s driver’s license. Reinstatement of the driver’s license requires that all original fines and reinstatement fees be paid. This is not the same process as a driver’s license suspension due to the accumulation of too many points on a driving record or a DWI conviction.

While Not Generally Dischargeable, These Debts are Manageable Under Chapter 13

Court fees and fines that lead to a driver’s license suspension are generally non-dischargeable under the Bankruptcy Code, which means that Chapter 7 would not address them. Under Chapter 13, however, debtors can repay those criminal fees and fines over time through a structured repayment plan. The automatic bankruptcy stay halts license-related collection efforts and can prevent arrest warrants for failure-to-appear scenarios tied to unpaid fines.

Can Chapter 13 Restore a Suspended Texas Driver’s License?

Once a debtor files for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the affected courts will often lift holds on driving privileges, since Chapter 13 trustee payments count as active repayment. This may satisfy many municipal courts, allowing debtors to regain their license within weeks, rather than months. The following steps are required:

• The debtor files for Chapter 13.
• DPS and the court are notified that the Chapter 13 bankruptcy case is active.
• Bankruptcy case information is provided to the court.
• If required, reinstatement fees are paid.

These debts are treated as non-dischargeable, priority claims and must be paid in full through the plan unless the court agrees to accept a negotiated reduction. The Chapter 13 repayment plan may repay court fines and fees as fixed monthly payments, step payments, or a lump-sum payment if the debtor is expecting a tax refund. Since a Texas debtor may have fines in multiple courts, each court could have a different reinstatement or "clearance letter" process. Coordination between bankruptcy counsel, the trustee, and each clerk’s office is crucial, and failure to list a court can delay reinstatement.

When Will Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Not Restore a Driver’s License?

A driver’s license suspension that is tied to a DWI conviction, an SR-22 lapse, child support arrears, or a serious traffic accident involving an injury will require separate resolution. However, a reduction in monthly debt through the Chapter 13 repayment plan often enables people to have sufficient disposable income to pay their court fines and fees in full, thereby regaining their driving privileges.

Contact a Fort Worth, TX Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Attorney

A suspended Texas driver’s license can affect every aspect of your life. Chapter 13 may provide a quicker way to restore your driving privileges. An experienced Parker County, TX consumer bankruptcy lawyer from Acker Warren P.C. can help. You will always speak with an attorney, not a paralegal, and we generally provide an extremely fast turnaround. Call 817-752-9033 to schedule your free consultation.