Juveniles

Mandatory Appearance

  • Juveniles (16 years old and younger):  Texas law identifies individuals aged 16 years old and younger as juveniles.  If you were a juvenile at the time the citation was issued, you are required to appear before the judge with a parent or legal guardian regardless of the offense and regardless of your age at the time of your initial appearance.  
  • Minors (17 – 20 years old):  Minors charged with alcohol or tobacco offenses must appear before the judge.  If you are 17, you must appear with a parent or legal guardian.  

Diversion

Juveniles between the ages of 10-16 years of age have the ability to partake of the Court’s diversion program to address any Class C Misdemeanor punished by a fine only, with the exception of traffic offenses, in order to keep the offense off of their criminal record.  Before appearing before the Court, these juveniles will meet with the Court’s diversion coordinator to discuss their options.  If the juvenile and their parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to proceed with the diversion process, the juvenile will proceed with the diversion process instead of appearing before the Municipal Court.  However, a juvenile may only utilize the diversion program once every twelve (12) months.

The Municipal Court’s diversion program is a teen court program, which is addressed separately on our website.  If you have any questions regarding the diversion program, please review the information regarding teen court and/or contact the court clerks who can put you in contact with the diversion coordinator.    

Alcohol & Tobacco Offenses

In addition to paying a fine/fee, these two offenses have a sliding scale of punishment should a defendant be convicted of multiple alcohol and tobacco offenses.  

Alcohol Offense Punishment

First Offense:

  • Fine up to $500;
  • Attend a 4 hour alcohol awareness class;
  • Complete 8-12 hours of alcohol-related community service; and
  • Have you driver’s license suspended for 30 days.

Second Offense:

  • Fine up to $500;
  • Attend an 8 hour alcohol awareness class;
  • Complete 20-40 hours of alcohol-related community service; and
  • Have your driver’s license suspended for 60 days.

Third and Subsequent Offenses will be referred to higher courts for adjudication.

Tobacco Offense Punishment

First Offense:

  • Attend an 8 hour tobacco awareness class
  • Pay $81 in court costs

Second and Subsequent Offenses:

  • Pay $50 fine
  • Attend an 8 hour tobacco awareness class
  • Pay $81 in court costs

If you fail to complete the class, your driver’s license will be suspended or denied issuance, if you do not have a driver’s license, for a period of up to six months.

Expunction of Records

Convictions from this court are criminal convictions.  You may be entitled to an expunction of the records pertaining to your case.  

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.

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 appropriate Application for Expunction, which can be found on the “Form” section of the webpage and submit it to 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.  Please understand that Court personnel are prohibited from advising or assisting you in the preparation of your petition for expunction.  

Important Things to Keep in Mind

If a juvenile does not appear in court as scheduled, a hold can be placed on your Driver’s License or your ability to obtain a driver’s license.  They can also receive a separate citation for violating the promise to appear or failing to appear.