When can the court order a driver's license suspension for a defendant under 17 who fails to pay a fine and costs?

• A. After a simple default hearing
• B. After a standard arraignment
• C. After conducting a contempt hearing under Article 45.050 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, retaining jurisdiction, and ordering the suspension as a sanction
• D. At the time of verdict only

Answer: (C)

When a juvenile defendant under 17 fails to pay fines and costs, the court can impose a license suspension only through a contempt process that specifically addresses nonpayment. This requires conducting a contempt hearing under Article 45.050 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and retaining jurisdiction, with the suspension ordered as a sanction. The contempt proceeding provides due process and a clear finding of willful nonpayment, and retaining jurisdiction lets the court enforce the sanction for the minor up to age 18. This sequence distinguishes it from routine steps like a simple default hearing, a standard arraignment, or a verdict-based action, none of which authorize a licensed suspension as a coercive remedy for unpaid fines without the formal contempt procedure.