Has your child been charged with a juvenile crime in Dallas, Texas? Texas Defense Firm can help when you call (469) 365-2228. We offer a initial consultation with a Dallas juvenile crimes lawyer who can review your case and explain the best options for protecting your child’s future.
Navigating the juvenile justice system is overwhelming for any family. From the moment of arrest through hearings and court proceedings, our attorneys provide skilled and compassionate defense. No matter the charges, we are committed to safeguarding your child’s rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Why Hire Texas Defense Firm if You’re Arrested for Juvenile Crimes?
When your child faces juvenile charges, choosing the right defense team is crucial. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys have the skill and experience to protect your child’s future. If you need a Dallas criminal defense attorney, here’s what sets our firm apart:
- More than 200 years of combined experience
- 24/7 availability so you can reach us whenever urgent issues arise
- Extensive experience handling a wide range of cases in both state and federal courts
- Attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more
Facing charges in Dallas, Texas, can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Dallas juvenile crimes lawyer.
Overview of Juvenile Crimes in Texas
Texas’s juvenile justice system focuses primarily on helping young offenders get back on track instead of just punishing them. The goal is to guide youth away from future criminal behavior and avoid adult prison. This approach prioritizes education, counseling, and skill-building to support rehabilitation.
CINS Offenses: Behaviors Special to Minors
Certain acts aren’t crimes for adults but are considered violations for juveniles. These are called CINS (Conduct Indicating a Need for Supervision). Examples include skipping school (truancy), sexting, running away from home, inhalant abuse, breaking school rules, and some alcohol-related offenses.
Usually, cases like these lead to probation and community supervision rather than confinement in a juvenile facility.
Delinquent Conduct: More Serious Charges
More serious offenses fall under “delinquent conduct.” This category includes driving while intoxicated (DWI), repeated underage drinking, sex offenses, felonies, and violent crimes like intoxication assault or manslaughter.
Throughout the process, juvenile records are generally sealed to protect privacy, except in certain serious cases.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Dallas, Texas?
When a young person is accused of delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision in Dallas, the case can be handled informally or formally through juvenile court. Juveniles have many of the same legal rights as adults in these proceedings, and sometimes, depending on the offense and age, a youth can be certified to stand trial as an adult.
Juvenile Court Outcomes
In Texas, juvenile court outcomes vary depending on the seriousness of the offense and the child’s prior history. Some cases are handled informally, allowing the youth to return home under parental supervision or community-based monitoring.
When a case goes through formal adjudication, outcomes may include:
- Probation: Court-ordered supervision with conditions such as counseling, school attendance, or community service.
- Commitment to TJJD: The Texas Juvenile Justice Department oversees secure facilities, halfway houses, and rehabilitation programs. Commitments can be indeterminate (up to age 19 for felony-level offenses) or determinate (fixed terms for the most serious crimes).
The system emphasizes rehabilitation, using the least restrictive measures possible and reserving secure confinement for repeat or severe offenses.
Determinate Sentencing
This sentencing option applies in serious juvenile cases, allowing longer, fixed prison terms like those given to adults. Sentencing can be as follows:
- For first-degree felonies, sentences can be up to 40 years.
- Second-degree felonies carry sentences up to 20 years, and third-degree felonies up to 10 years.
- Determinate sentencing requires approval from a grand jury.
Cases that qualify often include murder, sexual assault, aggravated robbery, arson, injury to a child, and habitual felony offending.
Adult Certification
In some cases, juveniles in Texas may be transferred out of juvenile court and tried as adults. This process, called adult certification, applies only in serious felony cases and requires a judge to approve the transfer after a hearing.
Key rules include:
- First-degree, capital, or aggravated drug felonies: Juvenile must be at least 14 years old.
- Second- or third-degree felonies: Juvenile must be at least 15 years old.
- Older cases: Individuals 18 or older may still be certified as adults if the offense occurred when they were between 14 and 17.
During the transfer hearing (which has no jury), the court considers factors such as the youth’s maturity, criminal history, risk to public safety, and potential for rehabilitation.
Collateral Consequences of Juvenile Justice System Involvement
Being involved in the juvenile justice system can create challenges that affect many areas of a young person’s life beyond the immediate case. This often includes:
- Impact on education: Involvement can lead to suspension, expulsion, or limited access to certain schools and programs.
- Employment difficulties: A juvenile record, especially if not fully sealed, can hinder job opportunities and background checks.
- Mental and emotional effects: The stress and stigma of charges and court proceedings can affect self-esteem and social relationships.
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizen juveniles may face risks to their immigration status if convicted of certain offenses.
Understanding these collateral effects is important when navigating the juvenile justice process to properly protect the youth’s future and well-being.
In Dallas, these penalties and procedures highlight the balance courts try to maintain between accountability and rehabilitation when dealing with juvenile offenders. Understanding the options can help parents and their children prepare for what lies ahead.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Juvenile Crimes?
When a juvenile is arrested for alleged criminal conduct, several defenses may be available depending on the facts of the case. A strong defense can challenge the charges, protect the young person’s rights, and potentially avoid harsh penalties.
Below are some common defenses used in juvenile cases.
Challenging Lack of Evidence
One of the most basic defenses is questioning whether the prosecution has enough proof. For both minor and serious offenses, your attorney can challenge the reliability and credibility of witness statements, police reports, and physical evidence.
Sometimes evidence is obtained unlawfully, meaning it can be suppressed and prohibited from being used against you. Without sufficient evidence, charges can be reduced or dismissed.
Mistaken Identity
In cases where the juvenile is accused of an assault, theft, or similar crime, mistaken identity is a common defense. Situations in which these crimes occur can be chaotic, and eyewitnesses may confuse one individual for another.
Defense attorneys work to cast doubt on identification through inconsistencies in witness statements, alibis, or video surveillance footage. Confirming the juvenile was elsewhere or improperly accused is essential.
Lack of Intent or Accidental Behavior
Many juvenile offenses, particularly those categorized as delinquent conduct, require showing the youth acted intentionally or knowingly. Defenses can include proving the act was accidental. For example, in cases involving assault, the lawyer can argue that any contact or injury caused was done by mistake and without intent to cause harm.
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
When charges involve violence, such as assault or battery, self-defense can justify reasonable force to prevent harm. The law allows juveniles to defend themselves or others if they reasonably believe it’s necessary.
Evidence might include inconsistent reports from the victim, injuries consistent with defense rather than attack, or witnesses supporting your child’s account of events. This defense aims to show the juvenile did not start or intend to escalate the conflict.
Errors in Procedure and Due Process Violations
Juveniles have constitutional rights just like adults. Defense attorneys scrutinize the arrest and investigation for any violations such as illegal search or seizure, failure to read Miranda rights, or coercion during questioning. If law enforcement failed to follow proper procedures, this could lead to evidence exclusion or dismissal.
Rehabilitation and Mitigating Circumstances
Often, defense strategies include presenting the juvenile’s background and steps toward rehabilitation, especially for less serious offenses or first-time cases. Showing participation in counseling, treatment programs, or school improvement plans can influence courts toward probation and other alternatives versus commitment.
This approach argues that the juvenile is willing and able to change without severe punishment.
Legal Defenses Specific to CINS Offenses
For conduct indicating a need for supervision, such as truancy, running away, or minor alcohol offenses, defenders may argue that the behavior results from underlying issues rather than criminal intent. Excusable circumstances like family problems, lack of transportation, or miscommunication can be presented to avoid serious court intervention.
A skilled attorney will explore all possible defenses to build the strongest case and protect your child’s future.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Dallas Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Facing juvenile charges can be overwhelming, but Texas Defense Firm, is here to help. With the right legal support, your family can protect your child’s rights and pursue a resolution that does not jeopardize their future.
Our team is ready to stand by you from the very beginning. We provide experienced and compassionate representation at every stage of the juvenile justice process. From hearings to negotiations, our attorneys work tirelessly to guide families through this difficult time. If your child is facing juvenile charges in Dallas, TX, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Dallas juvenile crimes lawyer.