Arrest warrant for judge over ticket

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — An arrest warrant is outstanding for the senior member of the top Texas criminal appeals court after he failed to pay a $193 fine on a 2008 speeding ticket.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the warrant was issued Oct. 20 for the arrest of Judge Lawrence Meyers of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He's been involved in a long-running dispute with the city of Austin over a citation for driving 19 mph over the speed limit on Interstate 35.

Meyers had pleaded guilty to speeding Aug. 8 and was given two months to pay what had become $481 in penalties and costs. But Meyers told the newspaper that he has withheld payment to preserve his right to appeal the fine. He said he now wants to go to trial.