Juveniles & Minors

Information

A juvenile offender is defined by state law as a person who is at least 10 but under 17 years of age and charged with a criminal offense or city ordinance violation.  The court has jurisdiction over minors (age 17-20) who received citations for violations of the Alcohol Beverage Code or the Health and Safety Code. 

A parent or legal guardian must appear along with the juvenile during all court proceedings.  You are not allowed to appear by mail or by phone.  You have an absolute right to be accompanied by your retained attorney. 

Juveniles who fail to appear or complete their sentence will be reported to the Department of Public Safety.  The Department of Public Safety may suspend a juvenile’s driver’s license or deny the right to obtain a driver’s license. Your license can be suspended or denied for:

• Failing to appear in court for your citation;
• Failing to pay or discharge your fine and costs;
• Failing to present certificate of completion of alcohol or tobacco course;
• Being held in contempt for violating the court’s judgment.

A period of driver’s license suspension is also mandatory on conviction of DUI and other minor alcohol violations. 

Appearance & Notification

You and your parent or guardian, have an obligation to continue appearing in court even after you reach 17 years of age. If you fail to appear in this case after your 17th birthday and notification by this court, you may be charged with an additional offense and arrested.  You and your parent or guardian, also have an obligation to inform the court within 10 days each time you change address. This obligation continues until your case is fully resolved and all fines and costs are paid or discharged.  Failure to make a proper notification may cause you and your parents or guardians, to be charged with a criminal violation and arrested. 

See Article 45.057(h)(i) C.C.P.