Youth Curfew

As our community population continues to grow, the Leander Police Department employs a variety of strategies and positive reinforcement tools to keep our city safe. A citywide youth curfew is one method used by police to reduce the likelihood of youth-related crime and victimization. The curfew ordinance has been in effect since 2016.

How It Works

With some exceptions, the youth curfew generally applies to youth under the age of 17 who are in a public place and unaccompanied by a parent or guardian during certain hours at night. See the FAQs section for specific days and times.

If someone in the above circumstance is identified by a police officer, the officer would approach to verify the person's age and reason for being out. If the stated reason meets one of the exemptions described in the FAQs section, the person would be allowed on their way. If no exemption is determined, the person would be found in violation of the curfew and could be cited or detained. See the FAQs section for more details.

Before taking any enforcement action under this article, a police officer shall ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being in the public place. The officer shall not issue a citation or make an arrest under this article unless the officer reasonably believes that an offense has occurred and that no defense in Section 8.02.033 is present.

About Section 8.02.035 Penalties

A person who violates a provision of this article is guilty of a separate offense for each day or part of a day during which the violation is committed, continued, or permitted. Each offense, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provision found in Section 1.01.009 of this code.
When required by Section 51.08 of the Texas Family Code, as amended, the municipal court shall waive original jurisdiction over a minor who violates Section 8.02.032(a) of this article and shall refer the minor to juvenile court.

More Information

Support Services maintains additional data regarding most Leander Police Department policies and statistics. To learn more about the city's youth curfew and related information, contact:

Luana Wilcox, Administrative Analyst
Support Services | Leander Police Department
Phone: 512-528-2832
Email Luana Wilcox

FAQs

What time would the curfew be in effect?

12:01 am to 6 am, Monday through Friday
1 am to 6 am, Saturday through Sunday

What age applies to the curfew?

Any person under 17 years of age not including those individuals who have, in accordance with Chapter 31 of the Texas Family Code, had the general disabilities of minority removed.

What are the exemptions to the curfew?

Minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian.
On an errand at the direction of the minor's parent or guardian, without any detour or stop.
In a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel.
Engaged in an employment activity, or going to or returning home from an employment activity, without any detour or stop.
Involved in an emergency.
On the sidewalk abutting the minor's residence or abutting the residence of a nextdoor neighbor, if the neighbor did not complain to the police department about the minor's presence.
Attending an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, Leander Independent School District, a civic organization, church, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor, or going to or returning home from, without any detour or stop, an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the city, Leander Independent School District, church, a civic organization, or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the minor.
Exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly.
Married or had been married or had disabilities of minority removed in accordance with Chapter 31 of the Texas Family Code.
Under Section 8.02.032(c) the owner, operator, or employee of an establishment promptly notified the police department that a minor was present on the premises of the establishment during curfew hours and refused to leave.

I am under 17 years old. What happens if I violate the curfew?

You may be detained by a law enforcement officer.
Your parents and/or legal guardian may be required to respond and take custody of you.
You may be issued a citation that requires your appearance in municipal court.
When making your court appearance, your parent or guardian must come with you.
If found guilty, the municipal court judge may impose a fine, probation, or community service.

I am a parent or guardian. What happens if my child violates the curfew?

You may be detained by a law enforcement officer.
You will be required to respond and take custody of your child.
If you allowed your child to violate the curfew, you may be issued a citation that requires your appearance in municipal court.
If found guilty, the municipal court judge may impose a fine, probation, or community service.

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Youth Curfew

How It Works

About Section 8.02.035 Penalties

More Information

FAQs

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