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Juvenile/Minor Procedures

The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over juveniles who are charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses and minors charged with tobacco or alcohol related offenses.  Class C offenses are fine-only offenses.

Juveniles

State Requirements of Juvenile Offenders

According to the laws of the State of Texas, any person 16 years of age or younger are required to appear in open court for all proceedings.
The parent or legal guardian of any juvenile charged in municipal court is also required to be present in court with his or her child. 

Attorneys representing juveniles are required to be present at the juvenile court setting along with the child and parent

Minors

Minors with Alcohol or Tobacco Offenses:

  • Any person age 17-20, charged with an alcohol or tobacco offense must appear in open court before the Judge.Parents may appear in court with the minor but are not required.

Court Appearances

  • Juvenile traffic - (age 10-16) must appear in court with a parent or legal guardian.  Notification will be mailed to defendant's address.
  • Alcohol or tobacco by minor - (age 10-16) must appear in court with a parent or legal guardian. Notification will be mailed to the defendant's address.
  • Alcohol offenses by a minor - (age 17-20) must appear in court.  Notification will be mailed to defendant's address.

A court date will be set by the court and mailed to the address listed on the citation.

Payments will not be accepted prior to your initial court appearance.  After the court appearance, Juveniles and Minors will not be able to pay online.  They will be able to pay in person, by mail, or over the phone. 

Failure to Appear

Juveniles/minors who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fines may be reported to the Department of Public Safety, which may suspend or deny issuance of a driver’s license. If the juvenile already as a driver’s license that license will be suspended until satisfaction of criminal charges are resolved.

Continuing Obligation Change of Residence

A juvenile and parent are required by law to keep the court informed of the child’s current residence and address during the pendency of their case.  The juvenile or parent/guardian MUST provide the provide the court in writing, if their address changes, with the current address and residence of the child, on or before the 7th day after the date the child changes residence. This obligation does not end when the child reaches age 17 but continues until your case is fully resolved and all fines and court costs are paid or discharged.