Information about Traffic Cases

Juveniles with Traffic Tickets

Appearance in Court Required

If you are sixteen (16) years of age or younger, the law requires that you appear in court with a parent, guardian, or managing conservator. A person sixteen (16) years of age or younger cannot pay the fine by mail or in person before the appearance date. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 45.0215

Parent Must Appear with Juvenile

The court is required to take the plea of a person sixteen (16) years of age or younger in open court and will issue a summons to compel the juvenile's parent, guardian, or managing conservator to be present.

Failure of the parent to appear as required by the summons is an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 and may result in the arrest of the parent. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 45.0215

Obligation to Provide Current Address

A juvenile and the juvenile's parent have an obligation to provide the court with the current address and residence of the juvenile. This obligation does not end when the juvenile reaches seventeen (17) years of age, but continues until the case is concluded and any judgment is fully satisfied. Notice of a new address must be given to the court, in writing, on or before the seventh (7th) day after the date the juvenile or the juvenile's parent changes residence.

Failure to notify the court of the current address is an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 45.057

When Juveniles Become Adults

If a juvenile charged with an offense filed in the Justice Court fails to appear in court as required, the court will issue a warning to the juvenile when the juvenile reaches seventeen (17) years of age. The notice will warn the individual of a continuing obligation to appear to conclude the case. The notice will further warn that the failure to appear as required by the notice is a criminal offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 and will result in the issuance of an arrest warrant. Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 45.060

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General Information

This information is furnished to you to provide basic information relative to the law governing procedures for traffic cases in the Harris County Justice Courts.

The Harris County Justices of the Peace and the Clerks of the Harris County Justice Courts are not allowed to give legal advice. You are urged to review the applicable laws and to consult an attorney of your choice for further information or answers to specific legal questions.

You have the right to a trial by a jury and to be represented by an attorney of your choice, or to represent yourself.

Traffic offenses, generally, are punishable by a fine of not more than $200.00 and all costs of court.

Disclaimer: The law is constantly changing and there may be times when the information on this web site will not be current. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. This information is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.