Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do I need to plan to be down at the courthouse?
A. Please allow 4 to 6 hours for the entire process. Check in at the front counter.
Q. I am a parent. Do I need to appear in court with my child?
A. It is highly recommended that a parent attend their child's court appearance.
Q. Does my child need to have an attorney?
A. Your child has the right to have an attorney represent them. A court-appointed attorney will be provided if the level of offense is a misdemeanor or higher, and if you qualify under the poverty guidelines.
Traffic matters and petty misdemeanors are not assigned a court-appointed attorney.
Q. My child received a traffic ticket. What do we do?
A. You will receive a letter from Hennepin County Juvenile Court, including instructions, on what to do regarding the ticket in about 4-8 weeks after receiving the ticket. If you do not receive a letter from the juvenile court within that time, please call (612) 322-6999 to verify that the address on file is correct.
Q. Can I have access to my adoption records?
A. A court order is needed to access any adoption records. To receive access to an adoption record, you will need to complete an Affidavit for Adoption Access form and either mail or drop off the form at the records window at the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center.
Q. I want to be emancipated. What do I do?
A. Emancipation means that a minor has the same legal rights and obligations as an 18-year-old adult. The Minnesota Statutes do not provide either the grounds or a procedure for emancipation. Minnesota case law has established that a minor can be emancipated by a legal marriage or by parental consent.
Q. I have an active warrant for my arrest. What do I do?
A. Contact the Juvenile Detention Center or Juvenile Court in person to set up a new court date.
A. Please allow 4 to 6 hours for the entire process. Check in at the front counter.
Q. I am a parent. Do I need to appear in court with my child?
A. It is highly recommended that a parent attend their child's court appearance.
Q. Does my child need to have an attorney?
A. Your child has the right to have an attorney represent them. A court-appointed attorney will be provided if the level of offense is a misdemeanor or higher, and if you qualify under the poverty guidelines.
Traffic matters and petty misdemeanors are not assigned a court-appointed attorney.
Q. My child received a traffic ticket. What do we do?
A. You will receive a letter from Hennepin County Juvenile Court, including instructions, on what to do regarding the ticket in about 4-8 weeks after receiving the ticket. If you do not receive a letter from the juvenile court within that time, please call (612) 322-6999 to verify that the address on file is correct.
Q. Can I have access to my adoption records?
A. A court order is needed to access any adoption records. To receive access to an adoption record, you will need to complete an Affidavit for Adoption Access form and either mail or drop off the form at the records window at the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center.
Q. I want to be emancipated. What do I do?
A. Emancipation means that a minor has the same legal rights and obligations as an 18-year-old adult. The Minnesota Statutes do not provide either the grounds or a procedure for emancipation. Minnesota case law has established that a minor can be emancipated by a legal marriage or by parental consent.
Q. I have an active warrant for my arrest. What do I do?
A. Contact the Juvenile Detention Center or Juvenile Court in person to set up a new court date.