Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do about excessive garbage and trash accumulating at a residence?

If you believe a situation represents a health hazard to the general public, you should contact the City of Abilene Code Enforcement Division at (325) 676-6241.

2. Who do I contact to get a copy of a police report that was taken by the Abilene Police Department?

You may submit an Open Record Request in writing with the City of Abilene.  You can do this one of three ways:

• Online at http://www.abilenetx.com/Legal/form.asp

• By fax to (325) 676-6439

• By U.S. mail to the City Attorney's Office, PO Box 60, Abilene, TX 79604

3. I think my landlord is treating me unfairly.  Do I have any renter's rights?

Yes, you do.  You may review the Texas Property Code Sections dealing with Landlord/Tenant relationships online at http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/.

• Since there may be complex legal issues in trying to resolve any dispute, we encourage you to contact a private attorney for legal advice.

• The Taylor County Justices of the Peace have pamphlets available on renter's rights.  Their numbers are (325) 674-1338 or (325) 674-1267.  You may also want to contact the Big Country Apartment Association at (325) 695-7431.

4. What can I do about a vacant house in my neighborhood that isn't being mowed?

For the weeds and tall grass, you should contact the City of Abilene Code Enforcement Division at (325) 676-6241.
 

5. Where do I find the Smoking Ordinance to see if I am in compliance?

You may visit the City of Abilene website at http://www.abilenetx.com/CityCouncil/doc/SmokingOrdinanceFINALASPASSED.pdf

(PDF - Adobe Reader required) for Smoking Ordinance information.

6. How do I submit an Open Records Request to the City of Abilene?
 

You may submit an Open Record Request in writing with the City of Abilene.  You can do this one of three ways:

• Online at http://abilenetx.com/Legal/info.htm

• By fax to (325) 676-6439

• By U.S. mail to the City Attorney's Office, PO Box 60, Abilene, TX 79604

7. What can I do if my ex-husband/ex-boyfriend has threatened to hurt me?

You may need a protective order, counseling and/or shelter.  For advice , you may contact any of these available resources:

• A private attorney

• The District Attorney Protective Order hotline at (325) 674-1296

• Legal Aid of North West Texas (325) 677-8591

• The Noah Project Crisis Line at (325) 676-7107

8. Who can I contact about junk cars parked around my neighbor's house/yard if he won't move them?
This situation may be in violation of Chapter 3 of the City Code Article II.  You should contact the City of Abilene Code Enforcement division at (325) 676-6241.

9. Can I distribute advertisements or flyers by placing them on cars or houses?
No.  If the owner does not consent, this is a violation of Chapter 3 of the City Code and may result in a citation carrying a fine of up to $500.00.

10.  What do I need to do about a subpoena served by the Abilene Municipal Court?

You must be present for the court date indicated on the subpoena.  If you have any concerns, contact the Legal Department for assistance at (325) 676-6251, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

11. Can the City Attorney represent me if I cannot afford a lawyer?

No.  The City Attorney's Office is prohibited by Sec. 74 of the City Charter of the City of Abilene from engaging in the outside practice of law.  We suggest you utilize one of the lawyer locating services links or the State Bar of Texas referral service.  If you do not believe you can afford market rate fees, we suggest you contact a reduced fee service.  One such service in the Abilene area is Legal Aid of North West Texas at http://www.lanwt.org or (325)677-8591.

12. What can I do about a vacant house in my neighborhood that has vagrants living in it?

You should contact the City of Abilene Code Enforcement Division at (325) 676-6241.

13. Does the City Attorney handle criminal cases?

The City Attorney's Office prosecutes all traffic citations and Class C misdemeanors received within the city limits of Abilene, as well as any violations of the City Code.  The telephone number is (325) 676-6251. 

The Taylor County District Attorney's Office handles all other misdemeanors and felony prosecutions within the City of Abilene and Taylor County, and may be reached at (325) 674-1261.

The Jones County Attorney or Jones County District Attorney would handle any criminal violations above a Class C misdemeanor that occurs within that portion of Abilene located in Jones County.  Call (325) 823-2411.