Required Appearances
Juvenile defendants under the age of 17, and minor defendants aged 17 to 20 charged with a tobacco or alcohol offense, cannot appear at the court window to resolve their case. A notice will be mailed to the address on file with the required hearing date for appearance.
Defendants 10 to 16 Years of Age
A juvenile defendant aged 10 to 16 charged with a Class C Misdemeanor must appear in open court to enter a plea before the judge. A parent or legal guardian is required to accompany the juvenile in court, as per 45.0215 CCP.
Definition of Parent/Guardian
A parent/guardian includes a person standing in parental relation, a managing conservator, or a custodian, as defined in Article 45.057(a) CCP.
Progression of a Case
- Once a case is filed in the Crowley Municipal Court for a defendant under the age of 17, the parent or guardian will be summoned by a Certified Peace Officer through U.S. Mail to appear in court with the defendant on the date specified in the summons.
- The parent or guardian is required to provide the court with the juvenile defendant's current address and notify the court of any address changes, even after the defendant turns 17.
- This obligation remains until the case is fully resolved and all fines and costs are paid or discharged.
Parent/Guardian Failure to Appear
If the parent or guardian fails to appear with the juvenile defendant, a Class C Misdemeanor charge may be filed against the parent or guardian (Art. 45.057(g) CCP). Additionally, the court will notify the Texas Department of Public Safety to disqualify the juvenile defendant from obtaining a driver’s license or suspend their current driver’s license until the case is resolved.
Issuing of an Arrest Warrant
Once a juvenile defendant turns 17 and has not appeared in court, the City Prosecutor may file a charge of Violation of Obligation to Appear under Article 45.060 CCP, and an arrest warrant may be issued for this charge.
Various Charges & Required Appearances
Minor defendants aged 17 to 20 charged with a Tobacco or Alcohol Offense must appear in open court to enter a plea before the judge. In this case, the appearance of a parent or guardian is not required.
Notice of Hearing Date
A letter will be mailed to the defendant at the address listed on the citation with the scheduled hearing date. If the defendant fails to appear, a warrant will be issued for their arrest.
Writ Service Fee
A $35 Writ Service Fee will be added to the total fine amount upon conviction for the service of the summons.