The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over juveniles (16 years or younger) charged with Class C misdemeanor offenses. 

All juveniles are required to appear in open court for all proceedings in their cases. The parent of any juvenile charged in Municipal Court is required to be present in court with his or her child. Juveniles who fail to appear or who fail to pay their fine will be reported to the Department of Public Safety, who will suspend their Driver’s License. If they do not have a driver’s license, they will not be able to obtain one until they appear in court.

Juveniles charged with cases, other than Traffic Code, may be eligible for Youth Diversion.   Juveniles, along with parents or guardian, will have an intake meeting with the Youth Diversion Coordinator, explaining that no charges will be official filed if the youth/parents choose to enter into a youth diversion agreement.

This program allows the juvenile to avoid criminal charges by becoming part of a diversion program, including community services, drug/alcohol courses, tutoring, or other services recommended by the Youth Diversion Coordinator.

Successful completion of a diversion program results in the case information being expunged (erased) on the juveniles 18 birthday.

Failure to successfully complete a diversion program results in the criminal charge being filed and normal court proceedings follow.

 Juveniles are eligible for diversion only one time per year.

Source link