• State law requires that juvenile defendants (ages 10-16) must appear in person with a parent or legal guardian in open court before the judge. The requirement of a parent/guardian appearance does not end when you reach the age of 17. 
  
  
• Relatives, older siblings, or friends are not allowed to appear in place of a parent or legal guardian.
  
  
• You and your parent have a legal obligation to provide the Court in writing with your current address and residence. 
  

• You or your parent must notify the Court of your current address by completing a “Juvenile Change of Address” form on or before the seventh day after the date you or your parent change residence.
  
  
• “Juvenile Change of Address” forms are available at the Court Clerk’s window.

• Juvenile cases are automatically scheduled for a court appearance.
  
  
• A notice containing the date and time of the hearing is mailed to the address on the citation.

If a court notice has not been received by the appearance date listed on the citation, contact the juvenile case manager at 972-466-4758.

• Failure for the juvenile defendant to appear at certain court hearings may result in additional fines, fees, and possible warrants for arrest.
  
  
• If a juvenile defendant fails to appear to their scheduled court appearance, a notice may be sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to suspend or deny issuance of the juvenile’s driver’s license.

• Juvenile citations cannot be paid prior to the scheduled court appearance. DO NOT MAIL FINE PAYMENT. 
  
  
• A court appearance is also required for juveniles seeking to take a Driving Safety Course or Deferred Disposition. 
  
  
• Juvenile defendants who are offered a deferred disposition or driving safety course will need to be prepared to pay the required fees at the time of the court appearance. Deferral fees will be determined by the judge.
  
  
• Dress code and courtroom rules of etiquette are strictly enforced. Individuals who are not in compliance will not be allowed to enter the courtroom.

Carrollton Municipal Court
2001 E. Jackson Road
Carrollton, TX 75006