Expert: Robin Sexton - 5/12/2008

Question
Hi, I was recently arrested, and plead not guilty the next day in the court at the jail...they then said I needed to have a court date, and one was set for me. My question is what is the purpose of this court date. I mean my grandmother, "the one I committed the offense against," isn't pressing charges, so why would there be a court date? And also, in Texas, you are considered an adult at 17 in the eyes of the law, but is your record still sealed at age 18? Thanks for the help..

Nick

Answer
Nick,

I am not real familiar with Texas court procedure.  However in most courts, after arraignment( your first court appearance) you will have a preliminary or pretrial hearing.  This is required, if you were provided an attorney this will probably be the first time you meet them. Usually at these hearing the state has to prove probable cause to believe that the specified crime was committed and that you committed it.  The case can also be withdrawn at this stage or moved on to the trial court.
I don't know what the charge is and you are correct that if the victim doesn't press charges the case MAY not continue. However there is the possibility that the prosecutor can continue depending on the type of case.  Reluctant victims are not unheard of and can be compelled to testify.  
If you are convicted in court as an adult it will stay on your record unless there is a some sort of special conviction status.

Hope this helped.

Good luck

Robin