Richardson Juvenile Crimes Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Minors Address Criminal Charges in Richardson, Texas

For parents, a phone call informing them that their child has been arrested can be very frightening. Whether trouble started with a fight at school, theft from a store, or peer pressure that led a young person to make a poor decision, a family will need to determine what options are available for addressing juvenile charges. For many people, the juvenile justice system can feel confusing and overwhelming. With legal help from an attorney, a family can take steps to protect a child's future.

At Texas Defense Firm, we can provide the guidance families need in juvenile criminal cases. Our lawyers work with families to make sure they understand the laws that apply in these cases and the options for resolving matters successfully. We focus on achieving results that will allow a young person to avoid long-term penalties while putting this difficult situation behind them.

When Criminal Cases Are Handled by Juvenile Courts in Richardson, Texas

The juvenile system generally addresses cases involving children who are between the ages of 10 and 17. In some situations, 17-year-olds may face charges related to juvenile delinquency that will be handled in juvenile courts, but for certain offenses, they may be treated as adults. Criminal charges handled in adult courts can lead to more serious penalties, and a conviction may result in a permanent criminal record.

The purpose of the juvenile justice system is to protect the public while also providing treatment, training, and rehabilitation for young people who have engaged in juvenile delinquency. Juvenile courts may use a variety of tools to help young people avoid criminal activity in the future rather than simply imposing penalties. Our attorneys can help ensure that these tools will be used as we work to find solutions that will protect young people's futures.

Criminal Charges That Minors May Face

School-Related Incidents

Many juvenile crime cases begin at school. Fights between students can lead to assault charges. A joke about violence could lead to a child being charged with a terroristic threat. Bringing a weapon onto school property could lead to felony charges. Students may face school discipline in addition to criminal penalties.

Drug and Alcohol Offenses

When children are accused of offenses involving the possession of marijuana or alcohol, the penalties may be more serious than parents expect. Drug charges may apply when children are accused of possessing vaping devices, edibles, or drugs in other forms. Possession of even a small amount of certain drugs can lead to felony charges. Minors may also face charges of underage DUI, alcohol possession, or using a fake ID to try to buy alcohol.

Property and Theft Offenses

Shoplifting, vandalism, vehicle theft, or other property crimes may be addressed in juvenile cases. Minors may qualify for diversion programs in these cases to help avoid a permanent criminal record and other penalties.

Sexual Conduct

When children are accused of possessing or sharing explicit images of themselves or other minors, they may face criminal charges. While "sexting" may be treated as a low-level offense in certain cases, more serious charges involving child pornography may arise in some situations. Other sex crime charges may also be addressed, such as allegations of sexual assault.

Protecting a Young Person's Record

A juvenile record related to criminal charges or juvenile delinquency may not be automatically hidden from view. Many juvenile records can be sealed, and some may qualify for automatic sealing after a person turns 19. Sealing can affect a person's ability to apply to college, join the military, or work in certain jobs. Our team will work with families to determine the best ways to avoid criminal records that could have an impact on a child's future opportunities.

When a Minor May Be Tried as an Adult

A juvenile court may decide to transfer a child to adult criminal court in some cases. A child who faces charges that would be classified as felonies if they were committed by an adult may face more serious penalties. Situations where cases may be handled in adult courts include:

• A child who was 14 or older may be charged as an adult for a capital felony such as capital murder, a first-degree felony such as sexual assault, or an aggravated drug felony.
• A child who was 15 or older may be charged as an adult for an offense classified as a second-degree, third-degree, or state jail felony.

Before a case is transferred to adult court, a full investigation will usually need to be performed. This investigation will include a psychological evaluation and a review of the child's background. A judge may consider whether an alleged offense caused harm to a person or was a property crime. They may also look at the child's level of maturity, any previous offenses, and whether it is likely that the juvenile system can protect the public while rehabilitating the child.

When a minor is facing serious criminal charges, the decision about whether to transfer a case to adult court is one of the most important moments in a juvenile case. Our attorneys can gather evidence such as school records, mental health evaluations, and testimony from teachers, coaches, and family members to show the court why the juvenile system is the right place to handle a child's case. We will work to avoid a situation where a child may face adult penalties and an adult criminal record.

Contact Our Richardson, TX Juvenile Crimes Lawyers

At Texas Defense Firm, we can help families determine the best steps to take to address accusations of juvenile crimes. With the right approach, a case may end in the dismissal of charges, participation in a diversion program, or another outcome that will not prevent a child from pursuing their goals. If your son or daughter has been arrested or referred to juvenile court, contact our Richardson, Texas juvenile crimes defense attorneys at 972-369-0577 and schedule a free consultation.