Payments & Appearances
You must be prepared to
pay your fine and court costs at the date and time designated on your citation, unless arrangements are made with the judge or prosecutor. Court proceedings begin when the Judge takes the bench on the date and time listed on your citation. A phone call does not constitute an appearance. Failure to appear on or before your court date will result in the filing of additional charges and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
Juvenile Offenses
A mandatory court appearance is required for all defendants under 17 years old. A parent or guardian must accompany you. Failure to appear by a parent is a class C misdemeanor and may result in fines of up to $200. A mandatory court appearance is also required for tobacco offenses of defendants under 18 years of age (also requiring parent attendance) and alcohol offenses of defendants under 21 years of age.
EXPUNCTIONS- JUVENILES AND MINORS
Juvenile Address Notification
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. 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.”
Proper Attire & Behavior
Proper courtroom attire is required when you appear before the judge. Clothing must be neat and clean; no torn or cut-off shorts or torn jeans are allowed. Athletic wear and pajamas are prohibited. T-shirts are allowed (no obscene or offensive logos/messages) but muscle shirts, crop tops, and tank tops are not. Undergarments can not be exposed. Shoes are required. All hats must be removed and all cell phones and electronic devices turned off. If you bring a child, you must keep the child with you and quiet at all times. No food or drink is allowed in the courtroom.
Recordings
The Converse Municipal Court is a court of record. All proceedings are recorded on an audio system. You must speak up when appearing before the judge.
Any communication, either directly or indirectly, with the municipal court judge prior to your court appearance concerning the merits of a pending case may be considered ex parte communication which is prohibited by the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Judge can not read a letter, take a phone call, discuss the case or otherwise communicate with any party to the case outside of the court session.