Juveniles

Appearing Before the Court

Several special rules are applicable in the case of juveniles appearing before the court. These include the following:

Entering A Plea

Persons under the age of 17 years who are charged with any offense may not enter a plea on the 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.

Obligation to Inform Court of Child's Residence

A juvenile and parent have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and residence of the child. The obligation does not end when the child reaches age 17. On or before the seventh day after the date the child or parent changes residence, the child or parent shall notify the court of the current address in the manner directed by the court. A violation of this requirement may result in arrest and is a Class C misdemeanor. The obligation to provide notice terminates on discharge and satisfaction of the judgment or final disposition not requiring a finding of guilt.

Changes in Address

Changes in the defendant's address shall be provided in writing to the court in person at the clerk's office or may be submitted by mail. For additional information about your obligation you may contact the Missouri City Municipal Court at 281-403-8669.

Notice of Expunction Rights: Penal Offenses

Pursuant to Article 45.0216(e) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, upon conviction for a Penal Code offense or a violation of a penal ordinance, the court must inform the child who is the subject of the hearing and the child's parent in open court of the child's expunction rights and provide the child and the child's parent with a written copy of Article 45.0216 (PDF).