Juveniles

The municipal court has jurisdiction over juveniles (10 years of age – 16 years of age) charged with a Class C misdemeanor.  All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their case.  The parent or legal gaurdian of the juvenile charged in a municipal court must be present in the court with their child.  Juveniles who fail to appear or fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Department of Public Safety, who will suspend or deny issuance of a driver’s license.  Juveniles who disobey a court order may be found in contempt and assessed a fine not to exceed $500.00 or referred to juvenile court for contempt.

A child and parent that are required to appear before the court have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and residence of the child.  The obligation does not end when the child reaches age 17.  On or before the seventh (7th) day after the date the child or parent changes residence, the child or parent shall notify the court of the current address in the manner directed by the court.  A violation of this subsection may result in arrest and is a Class C misdemeanor.  The obligation to provide notice terminates on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment of final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt. (Article 45.057(h), CCP)