Learn about Municipal Court judges, Teen Court

Published on November 09, 2022

Fort Worth Municipal Court is celebrating Municipal Courts Week Nov. 7-11 at the A.D. Marshall Public Safety and Courts Building, 1000 Throckmorton St. Municipal Courts Week is dedicated to appreciating the contributions that Texas Municipal Courts make to the safety and wellbeing of communities. Today, the spotlight is on the Judicial Division and Teen Court.

Judicial Division

The Judicial Division of Municipal Court is comprised of 10 full-time judges and five part-time judges as well as the Teen Court coordinator and three administrative personnel.

Judges are responsible for presiding over the various court dockets and processing a variety of administrative dockets. Judges are on duty around the clock to review and, where appropriate, issue arrest and search warrants. All judges are attorneys and members of the State Bar of Texas. The Fort Worth City Council appoints the judges to two-year terms.

Judge Danny Rodgers is chief judge of the Fort Worth Municipal Court. He was born and raised in Fort Worth. He is a graduate of Eastern Hills High School, Baylor University and Baylor School of Law. Rodgers was first appointed to the bench in 1996. He is married and has two children and four grandchildren.

“Municipal Court week is an excellent opportunity for anyone and everyone to learn more about the judicial system and our courts,” Rodgers said. “Please come see us -- you may be surprised by what you learn.”

Teen Court

Teen Court was developed and is sanctioned by the Texas Legislature for teenagers 10-17 years old and others currently enrolled in high school who receive Class C citations from the City of Fort Worth.

Participation is voluntary, and completion of the requirements will result in dismissal of the citation. In addition, volunteer opportunities are available for teens and adults to help support this program.

To learn more about the Teen Court program and how you can participate, call 817-392-8186, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Teen Court Coordinator Michelle Sims joined the Municipal Court team in July of 2021. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida. In 2011, Sims relocated to the DFW area. Prior to her work with Teen Court, she worked for the Dallas County Juvenile Department. Sims enjoys working in her yard, running, thrifting and she is a proud dog parent.

“Teen Court is wonderful program that provides young people the opportunity to resolve their tickets and avoid convictions while learning about the judicial system and providing service to their community,” Sims said.

Photos: Chief Judge-Danny Rodgers and Teen Court Coordinator Michelle Sims

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