Youth Offenders

If you are classified as a juvenile (under the age of 17) under Texas state law and charged with a traffic or criminal violation, 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.

A minor is a person who is over 16 but under the age of 21. Any person under the age of 21 charged with alcohol, curfew, or tobacco violation must appear in court.

What to Expect When You Come to Court

Pleading not Guilty

If you plead not guilty, you must decide whether or not you want a trial by a judge or by a jury. Your trial will not be held the same day. Your case(s) will then be set for a trial date at which time you may present your case to the court. At your trial, a judge or jury will hear the evidence and determine if you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pleading Guilty or No Contest

You should be prepared to pay the fine at the time you are found guilty.

Pleading Guilty or No Contest and Request Community Service

You may ask the judge to assign your case for community service in lieu of paying a fine. The number of hours you work is determined by the amount of the fine and the violation itself.

Expectations of You in Court

You are expected to act and dress properly and follow the rules of the court. Please wear appropriate clothing when you appear in court.

View the courtroom attire and conduct page for details.

Address Notification

You and your parent or guardian are required by law to provide the court, in writing, your current address and residence. If your place of residence changes, you have 7 days to notify the court, in writing, of your new address and residence.

Failure to keep the court informed of your new residence may result in failure to appear and failure to notify charges filed against both you and your parent or guardian. The obligation of keeping the court informed of your current address and residence is required until your case is finalized/terminated.