Juveniles Appearing Before the Court

Special rules are applicable in the case of juveniles appearing before the court:

• Persons who are 14 years of age and under the age of 17 years who are charged with traffic offenses may not plead guilty to an offense except in open court before the Judge, nor may such persons be convicted of an offense or fined except in the presence of one or both parents or guardians having legal custody of said person.
• Persons under the age of 18 years charged with offenses arising under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code may not be convicted of an offense unless a parent or legal guardian is present in court.
• A child and parent required to appear before the court have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and full resident of the child. The obligation does not end when the child reaches 17. On or before the 17th day after the child or parent changes resident, the child or parent shall notify the court of the current address in the manner directed by the court. A violation of this subsection may result in arrest and is a Class C Misdemeanor. The obligation to provide residence terminates on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment or final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt.