The juvenile defendant and his/her parent or legal guardian must appear for Court as indicated on the enclosed parental summons. Upon entering the courtroom, the juvenile defendant will need to sign in on the form provided. After the judge has given the preliminary information, each defendant will be called forward individually. When the juvenile's name is called, he or she steps forward to the Judge's bench with his/her parent or legal guardian. The juvenile defendant will be asked to enter his/her plea for each charge called for court. The following pleas may be entered on any charge:
Not Guilty
This plea should be entered when the defendant does not believe that he/she committed the offense(s) charged. When pleading not guilty, the juvenile will need to select a trial by judge or by jury so that the case(s) may be set forward for trial or an additional pre-trial hearing.
Guilty
A guilty plea is an admission of guilt for the offense(s) charged. Defendants may be allowed to present extenuating or mitigating circumstances to the Court.
Nolo Contendere (No Contest)
No contest is entered when the defendant does not wish to contest the charge(s). The defendant may be allowed to present extenuating or mitigating circumstances to the Court.
Deferred Disposition Programs
After pleading guilty or no contest, a juvenile defendant may be considered for the following deferred disposition programs. Successful completion of the deferred order may result in the dismissal of the violation(s). Each option is restricted to specific types of offenses, and the Judge will determine if the defendant is eligible for that program. You may call (817) 459-6777 for more information about these programs prior to your court date if necessary.
Alcohol or Tobacco Awareness Classes
Per Section 106.115 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, defendants under age 21 must complete an alcohol awareness course and complete community service hours to defer an alcohol-related offense. Section 161.253 of the Health & Safety Code also requires defendants younger than 21 to attend a tobacco awareness class to dismiss a tobacco-related charge. Probation is mandatory, and the court costs, a special expense fee and cost of the class must be paid. Community service may also be ordered for tobacco-related violations.
Community Service Program
Defendants 14 years of age or older charged with violations of the Penal Code, Education Code, or Arlington Municipal Ordinances may qualify to complete community service hours to defer an offense. Probation is mandatory, and payment of the court costs is required. Defendants currently or previously charged with a gang-related or sexual assault offense are not eligible for this program.
Driving Safety Course (DSC)
Driving Safety Course may dismiss a moving traffic violation, if not completed within the last year from offense date. Defendants must pay the court costs, an administrative fee, cost of the class, and a fee to DPS to obtain a certified driving record. The defendant has 90 days to submit the Defensive Driving class certificate and driving record to the Court. By law, the defendant is required to submit proof of a valid Texas driver's license or permit and proof of insurance.
Deferred Disposition
With payment of the court costs and a special expense fee, the defendant may request a term of probation from 30 to 180 days to dismiss an offense. Probation prohibits the defendant from receiving a similar violation during the deferral period. Other conditions may also be imposed on a case by case basis. By law, Defensive Driving and re-examination of driving test from DPS (Department of Public Safety) is required for any person under age 25 to defer a moving traffic violation.
First Offender Program
Defendants aged 10-13 who have never been charged with any offense may qualify to attend classes designed to teach them the skills needed to make better behavior choices. Probationary is mandatory. Court costs and a special expense fee for the cost of class must be paid. The minimum hours for completion is 6 hours.
Teen Court Program
Juvenile defendants aged 14 to 17 may request Teen Court for violations of the Penal Code, Education Code or Arlington Municipal Ordinances. Payment of an administrative fee is required, and probation is mandatory. Teen Court is not allowed if you are charged with a gang-related offense. Successful completion of the deferred order may dismiss your violation.