Jeremy Rosenthal | November 20, 2025 | Criminal Defense
When a person is accused of breaking the law in Texas, how their case is handled could depend largely on their age. The juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system operate with very different goals and procedures.
In the Lone Star State, individuals under 17 years old are typically considered juveniles, while those 17 and older are tried as adults. However, serious cases involving violent crimes like homicide can sometimes blur this line, with minors being transferred to adult court under certain circumstances.
The Purpose of Each System
The most significant difference between the juvenile and adult systems lies in their purpose.
Juvenile justice focuses on rehabilitation. The goal is to help minors learn from their mistakes and reintegrate successfully into society.
Adult criminal justice, by contrast, focuses on punishment and deterrence. Sentences often involve jail time and are meant to hold offenders accountable for their actions.
The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) prioritizes treatment and behavioral improvement programs over lengthy incarceration. In adult court, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) enforces stricter penalties that can have more damaging consequences.
Language and Procedure
The terminology used in each system also reflects these differences.
In the juvenile system, proceedings are considered civil, not criminal. Instead of being “charged with a crime,” a minor is said to have committed a delinquent act. The goal is not to label the child a criminal but to address their behavior constructively.
In the adult system, defendants are charged with crimes and prosecuted by the state. Proceedings are public, and outcomes are recorded on a permanent criminal record. Juvenile records, however, can often be sealed or expunged after certain conditions are met.
Court Process and Rights
While both systems provide due process rights (like the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent), the procedures differ.
Juvenile cases in Texas are typically handled in juvenile court, where judges often have more discretion and flexibility. There are no juries in most juvenile hearings, and sentencing is tailored to the child’s age and potential for rehabilitation.
Adult criminal court, however, follows a more rigid structure. Defendants are entitled to a jury trial, and sentencing is guided by fixed statutes. Once convicted, adults typically face standard penalties, including jail time and fines, depending on the severity of the offense.
Sentencing and Detention
Another significant difference is how offenders are detained or sentenced.
Juveniles are often placed in youth detention centers or are ordered to attend rehabilitation programs rather than adult prisons. Their sentences usually end when they turn 19, although there are exceptions.
Adults, on the other hand, can be sentenced to county jail or a long-term sentence in state prison. The resulting criminal records in these cases can have more serious collateral consequences, too, like difficulty finding housing and employment.
Transfers to Adult Court
In some cases, a juvenile in Texas may be certified as an adult if they are at least 14 years old and accused of a violent felony (like aggravated assault).
When this happens, the case is moved from juvenile court to adult criminal court. From there, the young person could face the same penalties as an adult. This process, often referred to as transfer, is reserved for the most serious offenses and requires judicial approval.
Contact the McKinney Criminal Defense Attorneys at Texas Defense Firm for Help Today
It’s vital to have experienced legal representation regardless of whether you or your child has been accused of a crime. The proceedings can differ substantially between juvenile and adult courts, but the consequences can be serious in either event.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in McKinney or Dallas and need legal help, contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Texas Defense Firm. Schedule a confidential consultation today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
We proudly serve Collin, Denton, Kaufman, and Rockwall counties and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Texas Defense Firm – McKinney Office
7300 State Highway 121 Suite 400
McKinney TX 75070
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