Whenever a person under the age of 17 is charged with an offense in a municipal court, the court must summon the parent, managing conservator, or custodian.

Whenever a person under the age of 17 is charged with an offense in a municipal court, the court must summon the parent, managing conservator, or custodian.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It must summon only if the child pleads guilty
• D. It must summon the school principal

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is that juvenile cases in municipal court require parental involvement. When a person under 17 is charged, the court is obligated to summon the parent, managing conservator, or custodian to appear. This ensures the child’s welfare is considered and that there’s an responsible adult who can participate in decisions about any disposition, supervision, or conditions the court imposes. The purpose isn’t tied to whether the child pleads guilty, and it isn’t about summoning a school official—the statute focuses on the parent or guardian who has legal responsibility for the child.

The idea being tested is that juvenile cases in municipal court require parental involvement. When a person under 17 is charged, the court is obligated to summon the parent, managing conservator, or custodian to appear. This ensures the child’s welfare is considered and that there’s an responsible adult who can participate in decisions about any disposition, supervision, or conditions the court imposes. The purpose isn’t tied to whether the child pleads guilty, and it isn’t about summoning a school official—the statute focuses on the parent or guardian who has legal responsibility for the child.