What action does a court take if a defendant under the age of 17 fails to appear for a traffic offense?

When a defendant under the age of 17 fails to appear for a traffic offense, the court typically conducts a contempt hearing. This process is used to address the defendant's absence and determine the appropriate consequences. The contempt hearing allows the court to establish whether the defendant willfully disobeyed the court's order to appear and what actions should be taken in response.

This procedure underscores the importance of ensuring that young defendants are held accountable for their obligations to the court. Failing to attend a scheduled court appearance, especially in the case of traffic offenses, can be seen as a lack of respect for the judicial process. The court's response through a contempt hearing is a way to reinforce the seriousness of the matter while also providing an opportunity for the defendant to explain their absence.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical court response to a failure to appear by a minor in traffic matters. For example, dismissing the case would not typically occur; instead, there are processes in place to ensure accountability. Automatic license suspension does not apply in this context of a mere failure to appear without further findings. Lastly, releasing the defendant without any consequence would undermine the court's authority and discourage compliance among other defendants.