Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Temple Working Closely with Parents and Juveniles to Reduce Harsh Consequences for Criminal Charges

At ten years old, a person can be charged in juvenile court for criminal offenses. These criminal offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies like murder. Various misdemeanors and some felonies are common juvenile crimes in Texas and result in juvenile delinquency.

While misdemeanors are more common among juvenile criminals, kids also can commit heinous acts the same way adults can. This includes assault, sexual assault, robbery, theft, and murder.

There are many reasons for juvenile delinquency, including poor school attendance, violence in the home or among peer groups, substance abuse and addiction, lack of guidance from mentors or parental figures, peer pressure, and much more. Sometimes kids are at the wrong place or time and are stuck with a criminal record.

Parents can do right by their children and hire an experienced family law firm when facing juvenile criminal charges. Tactics used in the Texas juvenile justice department have long been in question, and once a child is “in the system,” it’s tough to get out of, even with minor offenses.

You don’t want a past mistake to follow your child for the rest of their life. Contact the law offices of Barina Law Group to intervene and assist with your child’s juvenile criminal case. Schedule an initial consultation to see how we can help turn the situation around (254) 323-5506.

Can a Minor Be Tried as an Adult in Texas?

While scary to think, children in Texas can be tried as an adult for certain crimes. It’s important to be aware of this and how a criminal defense attorney can be helpful in this situation to protect your family.

Children 14 years or older can be charged as adults for committing a second-degree felony, third-degree felony, or state-jail felony. Texas follows the “once an adult, always an adult” policy for felony crimes, which means a juvenile can face the same punishments as adults, including prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

To pass a juvenile into the criminal justice system, a judge will use a “judicial waiver” if the case follows two conditions: probable cause, the child committed the offense, and the child’s history demands proceeding in adult court. With this waiver, a child is no longer afforded the protection of the Texas juvenile justice system.

Unlike other states, Texas uses the 14-year-old rule across the board regarding certain felonies, capital crimes, and drug crimes. The only exception to penalties is that a minor in the criminal justice system will not face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

These are rare and extreme cases, though they are possible. In any case, the last thing you want for your children is to face the consequences of juvenile mistakes. The system does not focus as much on rehabilitation as it should or treatment rather than punishment.

Barina Law Group will do its part to defend your child and attempt to lessen or beat the charges. A strong legal defense could be the only thing between your child and a lifetime of regret, incarceration, legal trouble, and missed opportunities.

How Does the Texas Juvenile Justice System Work?

Children commit juvenile crimes under the age of 18. When a juvenile crime is committed, juvenile offenders enter the juvenile court system rather than the adult criminal justice system.

Law enforcement can take a juvenile into custody if they believe a law has been violated or broken. A detention hearing will be held within 48 hours of the initial arrest. At this hearing, the judge determines whether the child will be granted a release or detained in the detention facility until the next hearing.

If kept in detention, the judge believes there is no suitable parent or guardian, the child is a danger to others or themselves, and they have a previous record of juvenile offenses and will likely commit a crime again.

From a process perspective, a detention hearing will be held every ten days to decide on further detention. A release will require certain conditions to be met in the same way an adult might get probation. Parents must follow the conditions along with the child.

An adjudication hearing will decide your son or daughter’s final sentencing and rehabilitation. Under certain conditions, a judge may decide to subject a juvenile to the adult criminal justice system if the crime is significant enough. Don’t face the legal system alone; explore the possibilities with Barina Law Group and consult an experienced attorney today: (254) 323-5506.

What are Juvenile Felony Charges in Texas?

Juvenile crimes are similar to adult crimes, though they are tried differently through the juvenile justice system. Studies show that juvenile crimes often start in the home, which isn’t the only cause. There are risk factors for juvenile crimes or the likelihood of juvenile crimes, such as abuse, poverty, parents, criminal behavior, and association with other juvenile delinquents.

Common examples of juvenile crimes in Texas include:

• Curfew violations
• Truancy
• Loitering
• School violations
• Mischief
• Vandalism
• Disturbing the peace
• False identification
• Forgery
• Fraud
• Simple assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Criminal trespassing
• Traffic violations
• Driving while under the influence (DWI)
• Reckless endangerment

Juvenile conviction is serious, and the consequences can harm your child’s present and future. A conviction could result in a driver’s license suspension or revocation, denial of employment, difficulty keeping a job, refusal of financial aid, and removal from public housing.

Get ahead of your child’s crime and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney with knowledge of the Texas juvenile justice system. Contact us now: (254) 323-5506.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help My Family?

Troubled children facing criminal charges will be subject to harsh consequences and penalties in the juvenile or criminal justice system. The juvenile legal system can offer resources, rather than punishment, depending on the crime and rehabilitation in some cases, though this isn’t always the case.

Our criminal defense attorneys can fight the harsh penalties with a solid defense using different arguments, such as:

• Impact of community on development and behavior
• Consequences of childhood trauma and long-term effects
• Stress caused by living in poverty
• Poor decision-making skills as a result of development

Without legal representation, your children no longer have a fighting chance to improve the outcome of their case. Juveniles can face home confinement, community service, juvenile detention facilities, foster or group home placement, community service options, diversion programs, and more.

What you can do is take action now and be aware of the potential consequences, now and in the future. Long-term impacts include college acceptance, job placement, housing options, driving privileges, financial strains, and firearm privileges.

Take care of your family and secure an experienced juvenile defense attorney with to lessen the impact of your child’s criminal charges. Contact our team today and speak with an attorney: at (254) 323-5506.