Juvenile Offenders

If a defendant is younger than 17 years of age, the defendant's parent, guardian or managing conservator MUST be present in the taking of the defendant's plea and all other proceedings relating to the case.

If a juvenile fails to obey an order of a Justice or Municipal Court under circumstances that would constitute contempt of court, the Justice or Municipal Court (after providing notice and opportunity to be heard) may: 

• Refer the child to the appropriate Juvenile Court for delinquent conduct, and/or 
• Hold the child in contempt, and order that the contemptor pay a fine not to exceed $500, and/or
• Order that the Department of Public Safety suspend the juvenile's driver's license, or if the juvenile does not have a license or permit, to deny the issuance of a license or permit to the child until the child fully complies with the orders of the court. 

A Justice or Municipal Court may not order the confinement of a child under the age of 17 for failure to pay all, or any part of, a fine or cost imposed for the conviction of an offense punishable by fine only.