Juvenile Violations & Alcohol / Tobacco Violations

Juvenile Traffic & Criminal Violations (Ages 16 and Under)

If a citation or criminal charge has been filed against a defendant 16 years of age or younger, the defendant will have to appear before a Municipal Court Judge with a parent and/or legal guardian.

The date of appearance on your citation does not apply to juvenile violators (ages 16 years and under). The parent and juvenile defendant will receive a written notice from the court with a date and time for their appearance before the Judge. If questions, please call 972-569-1070 to speak with the Court Administrator.

Minor Alcohol / Tobacco Violations (Ages 17 to 20)

If you have been charged with a violation related to alcohol or tobacco and are 17 - 20 years of age, you will be required to appear before the Municipal Court Judge.

• If you are under the age of 18, you must appear with a parent or legal guardian. A hearing notice will be sent by mail from the court notifying the defendant and parent of the court date and time they are to appear before the Judge with the minor child.
• If you are 19 to 20 years of age, you may appear without a parent or legal guardian. A hearing notice will be sent by mail from the court notifying the defendant of the court date and time they are to appear before the Judge.
• Extensions must be requested in writing by the defendant and parent and/or legal guardian prior to the court date. If the juvenile defendant has a driver's license, a copy must be included along with the license of the parent/guardian. If the juvenile does not have a license or any other identification (including a school ID) please indicate that information in your request.

Other General Information

If eligible, defendants who enter a plea of no contest or guilty may be considered for the following dismissal options:

• Driver Safety Course - see driver safety course section for eligibility requirements.
• Deferred Disposition - see deferred disposition section for eligibility requirements.
• Compliance Dismissal - see dismissal section for eligible dismissals.

If you are unable to pay the amount owed without undue hardship to yourself or your dependents, you may request a hearing before a Judge to consider your ability to pay and request any non-monetary compliance options available to you. You should be prepared to explain and document your financial situation to the Court.

If you have any questions you may call 972-347-3020. A phone call is not considered an appearance.