A notice about a defendant's obligation to appear issued to a defendant who turns age 17 may be served by a court clerk.

A notice about a defendant's obligation to appear issued to a defendant who turns age 17 may be served by a court clerk.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only by a deputy clerk

Answer: (B)

Service of a notice to appear is performed by someone other than the court clerk. The clerk issues and files the document, but does not personally serve the defendant. In Texas, a citation or notice to appear is typically served by a peace officer, a constable, or a private process server designated by the court, or by mail under the applicable rules. The defendant turning 17 does not change who can serve—the service must be carried out by an authorized person. So a court clerk cannot serve the notice to appear.

Service of a notice to appear is performed by someone other than the court clerk. The clerk issues and files the document, but does not personally serve the defendant. In Texas, a citation or notice to appear is typically served by a peace officer, a constable, or a private process server designated by the court, or by mail under the applicable rules. The defendant turning 17 does not change who can serve—the service must be carried out by an authorized person. So a court clerk cannot serve the notice to appear.