The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over juveniles (10 to 16 years of age at time of violation) charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses.
Juveniles are required to:
- Appear in open court for all proceedings regarding their case. Notices to appear at the initial appearance hearing are mailed to the defendant and parent/legal guardian. Disregard the date of appearance on the citation.
- The parent/legal guardian is required to attend court with their child. Parents/legal guardians who refuse to come to court may be subject to contempt of court.
Juveniles who fail to appear in court:
- May have an additional charge of “Failure to Appear” filed against them.
- Will be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which will suspend or deny issuance of a driver’s license until appearance in court.
Juveniles who disobey a court order:
- May be found in contempt and assessed a fine not to exceed $500.
- Reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which will suspend or deny issuance of a driver’s license until paid.
Parents/Legal Guardians – Notification of Address Change
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 or final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt.
ADVERTENCIA: Un joven y padre que tenido que presentarse en Corte tiene la obligación no termina cuando el joven cumpla 17 años de edad. Antes o en el séptimo dia después que el joven o padre cambie residencia, el joven o padre tiene que dar noticia a la Corte de la residencia corriente enla manera dirigidia por la Corte.
Violación de este subseccion puede resultar en arresto y es una ofensa class C menor. La obligación de proveer noticia termina después que quede satisfecho o despedido el juicio o disposición final donde no se requiere un resultado de culpable.
Alcohol Offenses
- Attend a 6 hour alcohol awareness class within 90 days and submit proof.
- Complete 8-12 hours of alcohol-related community service within 90 days and submit proof.
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Offenses
- Attend an 8 hour tobacco awareness class within 90 days and submit proof.
- Complete 12 hour tobacco-related essay project with The Volunteer Center within 90 days and submit proof. This option is only available for first-time tobacco offenses.
Expunction of Records
- Alcohol violations – for a single conviction, you may petition this court for an expunction after your 21st birthday.
- Tobacco violations – you may petition this court for expunction after your 21st birthday.
- Education Code violations – for a single conviction, you may petition this court for an expunction after your 18th birthday.
- Penal Code or Penal Ordinance violations – for a single conviction of any other non-traffic violation, you may petition this Court for expunction after your 17th birthday.
In order to request an expunction, fill out the Application for Expunction and submit in the Court Clerk’s office. There is a non-refundable fee of $30 that will be due at the time you file the application. Please read the application to determine if you are eligible to request an expunction prior to filing.
