JUVENILE DEFENDANTS

• All juvenile defendants who were under the age of 17 at the time of receiving the citation must appear in open Court before the Judge at a Juvenile Plea Hearing, even if the defendant wishes to be represented by an attorney.
   
• A parent or legal guardian is also required to attend the hearing with the defendant. These hearings are scheduled by the Clerks’ Office. Notices to appear at the Juvenile Plea Hearing are mailed to the defendant and will contain the date, time and location of the hearing.
    
• At the Juvenile Plea Hearing, the defendant will have an opportunity to enter a plea. If a plea of not guilty is entered, another court date will be scheduled at that time.
   
• If eligible, defendants who enter a plea of no contest or guilty may be considered for the following dismissal options with deferred disposition. Successful completion of these programs will result in the dismissal of the citation. Each option is restricted to specific types of offenses and defendants who have received multiple violations in the past or who have criminal histories involving assault or gang related offenses may not qualify for some programs

• Defendants who are eligible to participate in any deferred adjudication program are encouraged to pay for required court costs and fees at the Plea Hearing.

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