Criminal Defense for Juvenile Crimes
If a child is under the age of 17, they will most likely be tried as a minor: however, serious crimes such as rape, murder or kidnapping may result in an adult charge. The juvenile justice system is complex, but the rights of juveniles are the same as those of adults. Your child has the right to proper disclosure of charges, a legal defense and a humane arrest.
Although most juvenile crimes are similar to those for adult offenders, the penalties and laws associated with juvenile crimes are substantially different. Two of the most significant differences are that juveniles are not necessarily entitled to a trial by jury nor are they allowed to be released on bail.
Juvenile crimes can be either felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the crime. In some cases -particularly those involving violence, sexual crime, crime on school campus, or other factors such as gang enhancements or use of weapons- the juvenile offender will be certified to be tried as an adult and subject to adult penalties.
Many children are not fully aware of the magnitude of their actions and don’t deserve tough sentences. Some even have learning disabilities and impulse control problems like A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. and really just need medication or a good therapist. However the “tough on crime” juvenile justice system may become overly aggressive with your child and attempt to take them away until they turn 18 or sometimes much longer. It is not unusual for sentencing to include counseling, detention in a youth facility such as a boot camp, juvenile hall, or youth authority facility. Because of these possibilities, as well as the special laws involved with juvenile offenses, having a criminal attorney there to fight back and attempt to get the charges dropped or reduced is absolutely essential.
Contact Alliance today at (713) 224-3967 or click here for our convenient online submission form.
We will attempt to dismiss and reduce charges and fight aggressively to keep your child out of state facilities. Our attorneys will do everything possible to ensure the case is kept in juvenile court and that a young person isn't thrown unfairly into adult court.
This is for general informational purpose only. This information: • DOES NOT represent a legal advice or opinion, • DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship, • DOES NOT account for community-supervision eligibility, special punishment issues, mandatory minimum confinement, enhancements, and “Exceptional Sentences” under Chapter 12 Subchapter D of the Texas Penal Code, • DOES NOT apply Corporations & Associations. • DOES NOT represent the unique circumstances of your case.