All defendants 16 years of age or younger who have cases in this court are required to appear before the judge with a parent or legal guardian on the day and time listed on your summons; arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled arraignment, to allow time to check in with the clerk at the front window. On alcohol-related charges, anyone from 17-20 years of age must appear in person within 10 business days of receiving their citation.
Court hours: Monday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
How It Works | Community Service | Volunteers
Teen Court is a partnership between the teen, the parents, and the court. It is not simply a way to avoid the standard fine and make sure teen offenders do not get a criminal record. Teen Court is an option that must be requested by the teen and their parent because they believe that by being brought before a jury of their peers, accepting responsibility for the offense, and fulfilling the sentence, the teen will learn something that will help them to change their behavior. A parent is required to attend the court hearing with the teen and is questioned as well. Most of the time the parent will be asked about their relationship with their teen and about discipline measures that have been taken. Parents should be willing to answer questions about these relevant facts. If you are not willing to participate in this manner, then Teen Court should NOT be sought as an option. This is a real court of law, presided over by a licensed attorney and sanctioned by the State of Texas. Its volunteer jurors, and court officers, although Jr. High and High School students, take their responsibilities seriously and work very professionally to come to a sentence that will encourage the teen to change their behavior. Teen Court is a learning environment for defendant, parent, and court officers alike. If you understand this commitment and are willing to accept the responsibilities that go with it, we invite you to seek Teen Court and we think your teen can benefit from this experience.
A parent is required to attend the court hearing with the teen and is questioned as well. Most of the time the parent will be asked about their relationship with their teen and about discipline measures that have been taken. Parents should be willing to answer questions about these relevant facts. If you are not willing to participate in this manner, then Teen Court should NOT be sought as an option.
A number of community service work-sites are approved and available for selection through the teen court coordinator. There are some agencies who offer after-school and weekend opportunities for volunteer work, but these are limited. Teen Court is continually looking for good work-sites, especially for the younger offenders, age 12-15.
Volunteers review the cases that will be heard.
Interested in becoming a Teen Court Volunteer? Reach out to us at 979.764.6372 or [email protected].