Judge finally pays overdue ticket

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN/AP) — A Texas criminal appeals court judge has finally paid a fine for a speeding ticket -- after an arrest warrant was filed against him.

Judge Lawrence Meyers had been involved in a long-running dispute with the City of Austin over the ticket.

Authorities said he was pulled over driving 19 miles an hour above the speed limit on Interstate 35.

He pleaded guilty to the charge back in August and was given two months to pay what had become $481 in penalties and costs.

But the judge said he never paid the fine, adding he withheld the payment so he could appeal the fine.

He had said he wanted to go to trial, but court records show Meyers paid the increased find of $535.90 on Thursday morning.

On Friday, Meyers sent a letter of apology to the municipal court judges that read the following:

"Dear Judges,

I would like to convey to the judges and staff of the Austin Municipal Court system my apologies for the inconvenience that I have no doubt caused you. While my tactics in handling my traffic ticket have been within the rules that govern the municipal process, after reading the Austin American Statesman story of November 29, 2012, it became clear to me that I was overzealous in pursuing my rights. The story reflected the problem with a litigant who loses sight of the goals of our justice system. For this and the obvious nuisance I have been to the court, I apologize. I also want the court to know what I have paid all my fines and I am not seeking any further review of this matter.

I want to extend my thanks for your public service, along with the patience you have demonstrated in regard to this issue.

Respectfully,

Lawrence E. Meyers"

An arrest warrant had been outstanding -- until Thursday -- for the senior member of the top Texas criminal appeals court when 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 Meyers.