Juvenile (16 & Younger)

Article 45.0215, C.C.P., requires the parent, managing conservator, or custodian of a defendant under age 17 to appear in open court with their child. This rule applies regardless of how the defendant wants to handle his or her case. If the defendant wishes to be represented by an attorney, they are still required to be present in court with a parent or legal guardian.
 
Cases include but not limited to, traffic, curfew, alcohol, tobacco, and assault cases. The juvenile court seeks to divert juvenile offenders from continued criminal behavior while holding juveniles responsible for their conduct.

The parent of the juvenile will receive a notice to appear, and it will contain the date, time, and location of the hearing. We will mail the hearing to the address on the citation. If you fail to appear at the court date, a notification will be sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend your driver's license or to prohibit you from obtaining one.
 
During the first appearance setting, prosecutors will meet with the juvenile and the parent or guardian to discuss options for resolving the case. Depending on the specific situation, options may include deferred disposition, community service, or participation in Teen Court. The juvenile also has the option of requesting a trial before a Judge or a jury.

 Know Before You Go:

• No payment is allowed on minor-alcohol or minor-tobacco citations before appearing before the Judge.
• The minor must appear in Court with at least one parent or legal guardian. Relatives, older siblings, or friends are not allowed to appear in the place of the parent or legal guardian.
• Failure to appear at a minor court hearing may result in additional fines, fees, and possible warrants for your arrest.
• Dress Code strictly enforced:  Only school appropriate jeans, NO shorts, flip flops. Your clothing should reflect respect for the court. Individuals who are not properly dressed will not be allowed to enter the courtroom.

What is Teen Court?

Teen Court is an alternative, voluntary program which offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for an offense through community service, specialized classes and jury service. By bringing the teens before a jury of their peers, Teen Court seeks to deter future unlawful behavior while providing direct experience with the court system and a greater understanding of their future role as productive citizens.  Instead of paying a fine, the teen is sentenced to constructive service in a community service organization and jury duty in the Teen Court. Other non-monetary sanctions are also possible. Upon successful completion, the case is dismissed thus avoiding the fine and keeping the teen’s record clear.

Goals

• Hold juvenile offenders responsible for their behavior and help them recognize that the consequences are a direct result of their own actions.
   
• Provide teenage offenders with a positive experience in the judicial system, thereby reducing recidivism and helping deter the possibility of committing other crimes.
   
• Educate youth volunteers and offenders on the legal and judicial process.
   
• Establish positive relationships between the community and its youth, promoting increased understanding and communication
   
• Assist Lewisville, Flower Mound and local community agencies in saving labor expense by providing youth as community service workers.

Deterring Teens from Unlawful Behavior

Teen Court is a alternative, voluntary program that offers young offenders an opportunity to make restitution for an offense through community service, specialized classes, and jury service, allowing them to avoid fines and keep their record clear. Teens are brought before a jury of their peers, who sentence them to constructive community service and jury duty. This program seeks to deter teens from future unlawful behavior, while providing direct experience in the judiciary system and an understanding of their future role as a productive citizen.

Participating in Teen Court

A youth who has committed a Class C misdemeanor within the city limits and issued a citation may request to participate in the Teen Court program. The youth will then comply with the following requirements: 1) Appear in Municipal Court and pleads guilty or no contest 2) Pay a non-refundable $20 fee 3) Meet with the Teen Court Coordinator