Juvenile Information

Every juvenile who receives a citation (ticket) is required by law to appear with a parent or guardian in open court. At the court appearance, the judge will explain the juvenile defendants’ rights and all the options available. Juvenile defendants can then decide how they want to take care of their case. Unless the parents are an attorney, they cannot speak on behalf of their child. The following is information for juvenile defendants and parents to review before court.  Defendants and parents will meet with the Juvenile Case Manager (JCM) prior to court for “intake” in which the JCM will ask questions about family history, school, and other information to help the JCM to provide guidance for completing court orders.To schedule an intake appointment, please submit your request through this Schedule an Intake Appointment form

  1. Elizabeth Montes

    Juvenile Case Manager

  1. Court Expectations
  2. Driver's Safety Course
  3. Guilty or Nolo Contendere Pleas

What You Can Expect When You Come To Court

Under Texas State law, you are classified as a juvenile if you are under the age of 17. You must appear in Court with a parent or a legal guardian. You may also bring a lawyer, but the presence of your parent/guardian is still required.

You May Contest the Ticket & Plead Not Guilty to the Charge Filed Against You

If you plead not guilty, you must decide whether or not you want a trial by jury, or you can waive that right and proceed to a trial by Judge. You will have the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor on the date of your initial court hearing. If there is not a plea agreement, your case will then be set for a trial. Your trial will not be held on the same day. Your case(s) will then be reset for a new trial date at which time you may present your case to the Court. At your trial, a Judge or a jury will determine your guilt or innocence. For more information about contesting a citation, please click this link about contesting a citation.

You May Agree with the Ticket & Enter a Plea of Guilty or No Contest

If you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), the Judge will find you guilty and assess a fine from $0 to $2,000. The exact amount of the fine will depend on the nature of the offense and other circumstances reviewed by the Judge.

Important Things To Keep In Mind

  • If a juvenile fails to appear at any hearing or trial as ordered by the judge, the court will notify the Department of Public Safety in Austin. DPS then will take action to suspend or deny the driver’s license of the juvenile defendant. The court also will notify the Department of Public Safety in Austin if the juvenile fails to fulfill his/her sentencing requirement. DPS then will take action to suspend or deny the driver’s license of the juvenile and you can be held in contempt of court.
  • You are expected to act and dress properly and follow the rules of the Court.