JUVENILES
A child is a person who is at least age 10 and under age 17. A child is commonly called a juvenile. The municipal court has jurisdiction over juveniles charged with most Class C misdemeanor offenses except, public intoxication, and the following traffic offenses: duty on striking unattended vehicle. All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their cases. The parent or legal guardian of a juvenile charged in municipal court must be present in court with the child. Juveniles who fail to appear in court may have a failure to appear charge filed against them. Juveniles who fail to appear or fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Department of Public Safety who will suspend or deny issuance of a driver's license. If a juvenile disobeys a court order, the court may order DPS to suspend or deny issuance of a driver's license or find the child in contempt and assess a fine not to exceed $500, or refer to juvenile court for contempt.
NOTE:
A child and parent required to appear before the court have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and residence of the child. The obligation does not end when the child reaches age 17. On or before the seventh day after the date the child or parent changes residence, the child or parent shall notify the court of the current address in the manner directed by the court. A violation of this requirement 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. |
