Juvenile Violations

The municipal court has jurisdiction over juveniles (16 years or younger) charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses except public intoxication. All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their cases. The parent or legal guardian of any juvenile charged in municipal court is REQUIRED to be present in the court with his or her child. Juveniles who fail to appear in court may have an additional charge of failure to appear filed against them. Juveniles who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety who will suspend their driver's license. If they do not have a driver's license, they will not be able to obtain one until they appear in court.

Youth Diversion Plan - Effective- January 1, 2025

As provided by Chapter 45, subchapter “E” of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and contingent on eligibility, a child shall be diverted from formal criminal prosecution through an established youth diversion program.

Youth diversion is applicable for a child who is alleged to have engaged in conduct that constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by fine only, other than a traffic offense (Article 45.302 Code of Criminal Procedure).

A child’s participation is voluntary, requires the child to accept responsibility for the alleged conduct, and requires written consent from both the child and the parent in a diversion agreement.