Court Division
The Court Unit works with juveniles and their families throughout their adjudication and disposition process. During this time a juvenile has been alleged to have engaged in delinquent conduct with an offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. The Court Unit consists of a Supervisor, six Court Juvenile Probation Officers including a Lead Officer, and an Administrative Assistant. Each Court Officer serves as a liaison for one of the six juvenile courts. The Court Officer’s duties include gathering information, supervising the juvenile, communicating with the parent or guardian, Judges, the District Attorney, Attorneys, and community stakeholders.
A Social History Report is presented to the court at the juvenile's hearing which consists of information gathered to present accurate information on various aspects of their life. The information gathered includes who the juvenile resides with, the relationship with their parent/guardian and other family members, home behavior, runaway history, educational information including educational needs, grades, attendance, discipline referrals, and extracurricular activities; medical or mental health needs including diagnosis, hospitalizations, and medications; current and past drug use including treatment; peer groups including gang affiliation and/or membership; and parental/guardian employment information. While a juvenile is pending a final disposition on their case, the Court Officer identifies needs that a juvenile has and begins to connect them with services such as individual or family counseling.
Based on the compiled information, a recommendation for disposition that is in the best interest of the juvenile, the family, the victim, and the community is presented to the court. Recommendations may include deferred prosecution, formal probation at home, JJAEP, a specialized program, residential placement, or commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. More serious offenses can be petitioned to Determinate Sentencing, and once adjudicated could result in the juvenile being transferred to the adult criminal justice system. Once a juvenile’s case is disposed of, it is transferred to the appropriate unit for supervision.
Court Division
Stephanie Jackson, Division Director
122 Golfview Drive
Richmond, Texas 77469
Phone: 281-633-7400
Fax: 281-633-7344
Court Division
Christa Semmler, Court Supervisor
122 Golfview Drive
Richmond, Texas 77469
Phone: 281-633-7400
Fax: 281-633-7344