Texas Municipal Court Clerk Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

When a defendant submits an incorrect payment amount related to their case, it is crucial for the clerk to contact the defendant to address the issue before the case is presented to the judge. This ensures that the defendant has the opportunity to rectify the payment discrepancy. By communicating with the defendant, the clerk can clarify the correct amount due and provide guidance for submitting the proper payment. This process helps maintain transparency and ensures compliance with court rules and procedures.

In the context of the other choices, immediately notifying the judge would sidestep the possibility of resolving the situation directly with the defendant, which may lead to unnecessary delays. Ignoring the payment and proceeding would not adhere to procedural standards, and returning the payment may complicate the matter without ensuring that the defendant understands their obligation, potentially leading to further issues in the case. Therefore, contacting the defendant for the remaining amount is the most appropriate and procedural course of action.