If your child was arrested for a weapon offense as a juvenile in Dallas, Texas, the situation is extremely serious. While a conviction could lead to consequences that last for the foreseeable future, the good news is that you still have time to fight back with help from an experienced Dallas juvenile weapons offenses attorney at Texas Defense Firm.
Our legal team has more than 200 years of combined experience representing young people and families across Texas. Call us today at (469) 772-9509 to schedule an initial consultation. We can answer all of your questions at that time and offer some initial guidance about your next steps.
How Can Texas Defense Firm Help if Your Child Was Accused of a Weapon Offense in Dallas?
Prosecutors in Dallas, TX, often treat weapon charges aggressively, regardless of whether the defendant is an adult or a minor. Schools and law enforcement agencies often act quickly in these cases, assuming the worst before all the facts are known. However, the truth is that your child is still presumed innocent under the law, and a strong defense can make all the difference in the final outcome.
Our juvenile crimes lawyers can help by:
- Reviewing the charges and explaining how Texas juvenile law applies
- Investigating the incident and gathering any available exculpatory evidence
- Identifying weaknesses in the state’s evidence against you
- Filing motions to suppress as is pertinent
- Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges or divert the case if possible
- Preparing a full defense for all applicable hearings
- Representing your family in juvenile court as needed
We have a stellar reputation in the local legal community and will work hard on your behalf from the beginning of your case to the end, no matter what it takes. Contact our Dallas criminal defense lawyers today to get started.
An Overview of Juvenile Weapon Laws in Texas
Juveniles in Texas can be charged for weapon offenses under both the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Family Code, which governs juvenile proceedings. While juveniles do not normally go through the adult criminal system, the penalties can still be significant.
Common juvenile weapon offenses include:
- Possession of a prohibited weapon
- Carrying a firearm where weapons are not allowed
- Bringing a weapon onto school property
- Unlawful possession of a handgun by a minor
- Displaying a weapon in a threatening manner
- Using a weapon during the commission of another offense
Texas law defines “weapons” broadly. Firearms are the most common, but knives, clubs, and certain other objects can also meet the legal definition depending on how they are used or carried.
Further, a weapon offense does not always require intent to harm. In some cases, simply having a restricted item in the wrong place can lead to a juvenile referral. These cases often depend on specific facts, school policies, and whether the young person understood the rules.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Weapon Offenses in Texas?
The penalties in these cases depend on various factors, including the nature of the weapon, the location of the incident, and the juvenile’s prior criminal history, if applicable. Weapon offenses can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies under Texas law, even when the accused is under 17.
Possible consequences include:
- Probation
- Community service
- Counseling and education programs
- Curfews and other restrictions
- Detention in a juvenile facility
- Long-term supervision by the court
More serious cases, such as possessing a firearm at school or using a weapon while committing another offense, can lead to substantially harsher consequences.
Collateral Consequences of a Weapon Offense
Juvenile cases do not create the same public criminal record as adult cases, but they can still impact a child’s future dramatically.
Weapon offenses may lead to:
- School transfers
- Academic discipline
- Loss of eligibility for sports/extracurricular activities
- Problems obtaining jobs and internships
- Difficulty applying to certain colleges and other programs
These consequences can follow a child for years, long after the criminal court case is resolved. Early legal intervention is often the best way to limit this harm.
What Defenses Can Be Used in Juvenile Weapon Cases?
After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of your child’s case, our attorneys may raise defenses such as:
- The weapon did not meet the legal definition under Texas law
- The juvenile did not knowingly possess the item
- The weapon belonged to someone else
- The search that uncovered the weapon was unlawful
- There is weak or conflicting evidence about what happened
- The juvenile acted under duress or in response to a threat
Don’t lose hope just yet, as the prosecution must meet the heaviest burden of proof standard found in the law in order to secure a conviction.
Contact Our Dallas Juvenile Weapons Offenses Lawyers for Legal Help
If your child has been accused of a weapon offense in Dallas, Texas Defense Firm is here to help. We have more than 200 years of combined experience defending people accused of crimes across the state and can help your family understand every available option to you.
Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation with a Dallas juvenile weapons offenses attorney. We are ready to help you protect your child’s rights and future as soon as you are.