Juveniles/Minors and Parental/Guardian Obligations

Juveniles - Summons to Parent/Guardian of Juvenile

State law requires that juveniles 16 and under appear before the judge in person with a parent or legal guardian. A parent/guardian summons will be mailed with the official summons for the scheduled court date. 

This summons issued to a parent is an order to appear personally at the hearing with the child. Failure of the parent to appear may result in arrest and is a class C misdemeanor. A child and parent required to appear before the court have an obligation to provide the court in writing with the current address and residence of the child. 

Obligation

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 subsection 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.

Minors

State law requires that all minors (under 21) that are charged with alcohol/tobacco-related offenses must appear in person before the judge.