The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over juveniles (persons age 10 to 16) charged with Class C Misdemeanor offenses. Juveniles must appear in open court with a parent or legal guardian present for all proceedings in their cases.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
If you have never been summoned to court before, all the requirements and instructions can be daunting. To help you prepare for your hearing, the Juvenile Case Manager has provided the following breakdown of how hearings usually go.
It's important to remember that every case and every individual is a little different, so the procedure can also be a little different from person to person. If you have any questions, please call the Juvenile Case Manager at 972-412-6218.
First Step: Sign in at the Desk
The clerk at the desk in the courtroom will take your name and mark you present. She may also have papers for you to fill out and return to her.
Second Step: Stand and Recognize the Judge
The Judge will explain why you are in court, what the process is, and what you personally can expect from your experience in court. Listen carefully.
Third Step: Meet with the Prosecutor
You will have the opportunity to tell the Prosecutor the details of your case from your perspective, and he or she will explain how the State will want to proceed with your citation. You are not required to meet with the Prosecutor and may choose not to.
Fourth Step: Defendant Goes before the Judge
Only the juvenile defendant, not the adult(s) who have accompanied them, will approach the bench. Anyone else may approach only if the Judge calls them forward. The Judge may, after meeting with the defendant, make an order and tell the defendant that they may leave. (This usually only happens with traffic offenses).
Fifth Step: Meet with the Juvenile Case Manager
Again, this step doesn't always occur. During this meeting, the Juvenile Case Manager will schedule an Intake Assessment Appointment with the defendant. The Juvenile Case Manager will also answer any questions you may have about your case.
Please be aware of the Court Dress Code. Directions to the Municipal Court.