Juvenile Court

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 are 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.
 

Know Before You Go:

• No payment is allowed before appearing before the Judge.
• The juvenile 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 juvenile 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. 
• See Court Appearance for more information on courtroom decorum.

 Heather Leonard- Juvenile Case Manager

If you have any questions, please call: 469-272-2930 (ext.1040) or email: heather.leonard@cedarhilltx.com