Juveniles/Minors

Juveniles

State Law requires all juveniles, 16 years of age or younger, TO APPEAR IN OPEN COURT WITH A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR ALL PROCEEDINGS IN THEIR CASES. The court will not accept payment nor process any transactions before an appearance is made before the Judge.

Attorneys representing juveniles are required to be present at the court appearance along with the child and parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

Failure to Appear

Juveniles who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fine(s) will be reported to the 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 and/or pay their fine. Be aware that driving with a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor which carries a range of punishments including a fine up to $2,000, incarceration in jail up to 180 days, or both.

Obligation to Notify the Court of Address Change 

A child and parent required to appear before the Municipal 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. Within 1 week of changing residence, the child or parent shall notify the court of the new address. A violation of this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor and may result in arrest. The obligation to give a notice ends on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment or final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt. 

Minors 

State law requires a minor, a person 17 to 21 years of age, CHARGED WITH EITHER AN ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO RELATED OFFENSE TO APPEAR IN OPEN COURT. A parent or legal guardian is not required. The court will not accept payment nor process any transactions before an appearance is made before the Judge.