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Juvenile Information
Every juvenile who receives a citation (ticket) is required by law to appear with a parent or guardian in open court. At the court appearance, the judge will explain the juvenile defendants’ rights and all the options available. Juvenile defendants can then decide how they want to take care of their case. Unless the parents are an attorney, they cannot speak on behalf of their child. The following is information for juvenile defendants and parents to review before court. Defendants and parents will meet with the Juvenile Case Manager (JCM) prior to court for “intake” in which the JCM will ask questions about family history, school, and other information to help the JCM to provide guidance for completing court orders. To schedule an intake appointment, please submit your request through this Schedule an Intake Appointment form.
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Tara Tinney
Juvenile Case ManagerPhone: 361-485-3050
What You Can Expect When You Come To Court
Under Texas State law, you are classified as a juvenile if you are under the age of 17. You must appear in Court with a parent or a legal guardian. You may also bring a lawyer, but the presence of your parent/guardian is still required.
You May Contest the Ticket & Plead Not Guilty to the Charge Filed Against You
If you plead not guilty, you must decide whether or not you want a trial by jury, or you can waive that right and proceed to a trial by Judge. You will have the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor on the date of your initial court hearing. If there is not a plea agreement, your case will then be set for a trial. Your trial will not be held on the same day. Your case(s) will then be reset for a new trial date at which time you may present your case to the Court. At your trial, a Judge or a jury will determine your guilt or innocence. For more information about contesting a citation, please click this link about contesting a citation.
You May Agree with the Ticket & Enter a Plea of Guilty or No Contest
If you plead guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), the Judge will find you guilty and assess a fine from $0 to $2,000. The exact amount of the fine will depend on the nature of the offense and other circumstances reviewed by the Judge.
Youth Diversion Program Eligibility
Beginning January 1, 2025 juveniles who have been charged with a non-traffic offense for the first time may qualify to take part in the Diversion Program. This program gives an opportunity for first-time offenders to resolve a citation without being formally charged in court. Once your case has been reviewed, the Juvenile Case Manager will be in contact you to schedule an intake appointment, and then you will be placed on a court docket before the Municipal Court Judge.
If your offense is eligible, you may request a Driving Safety Course (DSC) to dismiss your citation.
Eligibility for DSC
- You must have and present a valid, non-commercial Texas driver’s license or permit; or be a member, or the spouse or dependent child of a member, of the United States military forces serving on active duty.
- You must enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).
- You must have been charged with an eligible offense as defined by Texas Transportation Code 45.0511.
- You must not have completed a Driving Safety Course or Motorcycle Operator Training Course within the 12 months preceding the date of the offense.
- You must provide evidence of financial responsibility (current vehicle liability insurance) at the time of the request.
- You must pay the court costs and administrative fee at the time of the request. When appearing in court before the Municipal Court Judge, be prepared to pay the below fees:
- Moving Violation: $144
- School Zone Moving Violation: $169
Note: Additional fee may apply. Please contact the City of Victoria Municipal Court for more information.
Ineligible for DSC
You are not eligible to take DSC if:
- You hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
- You have taken a Court-ordered DSC for another ticket within one year from the date of this citation
- You are charged with:
- 95 miles per hour or more
- Speeding 25 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit
- Passing a school bus
- Committing a serious traffic violation
- Failing to stop and provide information or render aid after an accident
- Committing an offense in a construction zone when workers are present
- You do not have a valid Texas Drivers License
Note: Military Exemption: Active military, their spouses, and dependents
- City of Victoria Municipal Court Youth Diversion Plan Adopted Tuesday, December 31, 2024 (PDF)
- City of Victoria Municipal Court Memorandum of Understanding with Mid-Coast Family Services (PDF)
What is Youth Diversion?
The purpose of this program and its related procedures is to:
- Reduce recidivism and the occurrence of at-risk behavior through intervention without criminal adjudication
- Identify at-risk juveniles utilizing a social service approach
- Divert instances of deviant behavior from criminal adjudication with an emphasis on therapeutic strategies for accountability and responsibility of the child and the child's parent(s), while promoting public safety and order
- Collaborate with all community resources available to achieve these objectives
Guilty or Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Pleas
Request Deferred Disposition
If you request deferred disposition and it is granted by the Judge, you must be prepared to pay court costs and fees. Court costs can vary depending on the charge(s). The Judge will set the terms and conditions of the deferral order which you must follow for a period of up to 6 months. Your case will be reset, and, if you complete the terms and conditions of your deferral order as set forth by the Judge, your case will be dismissed. When the case is dismissed, there will be no record of a conviction. Deferrals allow you to receive a "second chance."
Request Community Service Hours in Lieu of Paying a Fine
The number of hours you work is determined by the amount of the fine and the violation itself. Community service can be performed to discharge the fine. It must be performed for a governmental entity or a non-profit organization that provides services to the general public that enhance social welfare and the community's general well-being or not count.
You should be prepared to pay the fine at the time you are found guilty or be prepared to set up a payment arrangement.
Important Things To Keep In Mind
- If a juvenile fails to appear at any hearing or trial as ordered by the judge, the court will notify the Department of Public Safety in Austin. DPS then will take action to suspend or deny the driver’s license of the juvenile defendant. The court also will notify the Department of Public Safety in Austin if the juvenile fails to fulfill his/her sentencing requirement. DPS then will take action to suspend or deny the driver’s license of the juvenile and you can be held in contempt of court.
- You are expected to act and dress properly and follow the rules of the Court.