The municipal court has jurisdiction over juveniles under the age of 17 who are charged with a Class C misdemeanor offense except for public intoxication. State law requires juveniles to appear, in person, before the judge to hear an explanation of the charges and of the options available to them, and to enter a plea. State law also requires that the juvenile appears with his/her parent or legal guardian. Both the juvenile and parent/legal guardian must be present at all court proceedings. The court is prohibited from accepting payment of a fine from a juvenile defendant prior to his/her appearance before the judge.

The Court notifies the parent/legal guardian by mail when the juvenile receives a citation or a criminal complaint is filed. The Court also notifies the parent/legal guardian of the date of all court proceedings scheduled for the juvenile by mail. The name and address of the parent/legal guardian used by the Court is the name and address the juvenile provided to the issuing officer.

Alcohol/Tobacco Violations: State law (Sec. 106.115 Alcoholic Beverage Code and Sec 161.252 of the Health and Safety Code) requires that all minors complete the alcohol education program for minors or the tobacco cessation class. The class must be completed and the certificate of completion returned to the court within 90 days of the date of the sentence. Registration in a class must be done immediately to avoid delays and receive the certificate on time. Failure to comply with the court's orders will result in the suspension of the defendant's driver's license.

If a juvenile fails to appear at arraignment, trial, or other court hearings as ordered by the judge, the Court will notify the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin who may take action to deny the driver’s license of the juvenile. The Court will also notify the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin if the juvenile fails to fulfill his/her sentencing requirement by paying the stipulated fine, by failing to complete the required community service within the time stipulated, or by failing to complete a court-ordered education class. Texas Depart of Public Safety may then take action to deny the driver’s license of the juvenile. 

The Court understands that juveniles and their parents may have questions regarding court procedures. Please contact the Sentencing Coordinator or the Juvenile Case Manager at (915) 212-0229.

Juvenile Programs

Teen Court Program
The Teen Court is offered to teens who have been charged with a misdemeanor offense, an alternative means by which to have their case heard. Teen Court also provides alternative sentences if the juvenile is found guilty.

Youth Volunteer Applications
NEW Participant
RETURNING Participant

Juvenile Case Management Program
Juvenile Case Management (JCM) is the process of providing services to first-time offenders and/or at-risk youth. Services are to deter youth from committing more crimes or penetrating into the Juvenile Justice System (Juvenile Probation). Services are determined at the time of the initial screening when risk factors are discussed and identified.

For more information on these juvenile programs please contact the Juvenile Case Manager at (915) 212-0229.