A juvenile – someone under the age of 17 (although each state defines it differently) – who commits a misdemeanor or felony in Texas is typically charged as a juvenile defendant. Their criminal case is then held in the juvenile justice system. There are exceptions, of course. A juvenile may be charged as an adult depending on the seriousness of the crime or a juvenile’s criminal background. If that happens, the penalties are more severe.
At The Lowe Law Office, PLLC, our juvenile defense attorney in Texas understands that more so than anyone, juveniles need a strong defense. Their entire futures are at risk, especially in terms of employment and education. If you are a parent, contact us today at
A juvenile – someone under the age of 17 (although each state defines it differently) – who commits a misdemeanor or felony in Texas is typically charged as a juvenile defendant. Their criminal case is then held in the juvenile justice system. There are exceptions, of course. A juvenile may be charged as an adult depending on the seriousness of the crime or a juvenile’s criminal background. If that happens, the penalties are more severe.
At The Lowe Law Office, PLLC, our juvenile defense attorney in Texas understands that more so than anyone, juveniles need a strong defense. Their entire futures are at risk, especially in terms of employment and education. If you are a parent, contact us today at (817) 660-7601 to schedule a Free Consultation – keeping your child’s record clean and making sure their futures are not at risk is imperative.
Common Juvenile Crimes In Texas
Juvenile crimes are those committed by someone under the age of 17. Once a child turns 17, they are considered an adult and will be charged as an adult if they commit a crime.
Generally, juveniles can be charged with the same offenses as adults. Common offenses committed by juveniles include:
- Shoplifting or petty theft
- Vandalism
- Violent crimes, such as assault
- Possession of drugs or alcohol
- Sexual offenses
The main differences between the two systems are 1) the primary purpose of the criminal justice center for juveniles, and 2) the sentencing options available to the court. The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation. It offers alternative sentencing options such as counseling or education programs and sends juvenile defendants, referred to in Texas as “respondents” to a juvenile detention center rather than a jail or prison.
Juveniles Tried As Adults In Texas
When a juvenile defendant commits a crime, they are usually then tried as a juvenile. In certain circumstances, however, their case can be transferred to the adult system.
The specific criteria for this vary between states. Relevant factors include:
- The type and extent of the offense
- The seriousness of the allegations
- Any aggravating circumstances (for example, the use of a weapon)
- Whether the defendant understood the criminality of their conduct
- Whether the defendant is a repeat offender
The decision to transfer a juvenile case to the adult system can be made automatically as a result of legislation or at the discretion of the judge. And once a juvenile defendant has been tried as an adult, any future charges will also be dealt with in the adult system.
When a juvenile case is dealt with in the adult system, the defendant is exposed to harsher penalties usually reserved for adults. It also excludes them from other sentencing options, such as counseling or education programs offered to juvenile offenders and ways to keep the juvenile’s record clean (such as sealing their arrest and subsequent prosecution).
Collateral Consequences Of A Conviction In Texas For A Juvenile Offense
In addition to the judgment/sentence imposed by the judge, there can also be collateral consequences for defendants convicted of juvenile offenses.
A criminal conviction can disrupt a defendant’s schooling, especially if they serve time in juvenile detention. A conviction can also affect their access to education more generally. Some schools may not accept students with a criminal record and many colleges ask applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
While many people believe juvenile criminal records “disappear” once someone becomes an adult, this is not an automatic process and it is imperative to know how to seal a juvenile’s record, if they are eligible for sealing. For example, potential employers and landlords often have access to juvenile records when running background checks. The armed forces also require applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
Law enforcement and courts may also access juvenile records when dealing with an adult offender, which can increase both the category of offense they are charged with and the severity of their sentence.
Convictions for certain offenses as a juvenile may also require a defendant to register as a sex offender or restrict them from owning a firearm well into adulthood.
Your Rights For Juvenile Arrests In Texas
Both minors and their parents or legal guardians have rights when a minor is arrested in Texas or is asked questions as a witness in a criminal matter. Parents and legal guardians also have rights. When a right is violated, this violation can be used as part of your defense strategy. This is in part why it is critical to speak to a juvenile defense lawyer in Texas as soon as possible.
Your Child Has Rights
The U.S. Constitution as well as most state constitutions outline certain rights for each person, whether a juvenile or an adult. These rights include but are not necessarily limited to:
- The right to be free from any unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination
- The right to refuse any questioning
- The right to an attorney during police questioning
Further, when a minor is detained or arrested, the police typically have an obligation to contact a parent or legal guardian, or at least make a reasonable attempt to do so.
Parents Have Rights
As a parent or legal guardian, you have rights in cases where your child has been arrested or detained by the police. Three such rights include:
- The right to be present with your child during questioning
- The right to know the reason your child was arrested or detained
- The right to have or retain an attorney for your child
As a parent or guardian, it is always in your child’s best interest to remain calm. You can request to see your child at any time while the child is in police custody.
Contact A Juvenile Defense Attorney In Texas Today
We know that as a parent – and for that matter as a minor – you will have many questions and even more worries and fears during a criminal case. At The Lowe Law Office, PLLC, our juvenile defense lawyer will sit down with you to explain everything you need to know and keep you informed during the process.
If your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, get a Board-Certified in criminal law attorney to ensure they are treated fairly through the criminal system. Any mistakes could have long-lasting impacts on your child’s life. Call (817) 678-5080 to schedule a Free Consultation with our juvenile defense attorney at The Lowe Law Office, PLLC today.
to schedule a Free Consultation – keeping your child’s record clean and making sure their futures are not at risk is imperative.
Common Juvenile Crimes In Texas
Juvenile crimes are those committed by someone under the age of 17. Once a child turns 17, they are considered an adult and will be charged as an adult if they commit a crime.
Generally, juveniles can be charged with the same offenses as adults. Common offenses committed by juveniles include:
- Shoplifting or petty theft
- Vandalism
- Violent crimes, such as assault
- Possession of drugs or alcohol
- Sexual offenses
The main differences between the two systems are 1) the primary purpose of the criminal justice center for juveniles, and 2) the sentencing options available to the court. The juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation. It offers alternative sentencing options such as counseling or education programs and sends juvenile defendants, referred to in Texas as “respondents” to a juvenile detention center rather than a jail or prison.
Juveniles Tried As Adults In Texas
When a juvenile defendant commits a crime, they are usually then tried as a juvenile. In certain circumstances, however, their case can be transferred to the adult system.
The specific criteria for this vary between states. Relevant factors include:
- The type and extent of the offense
- The seriousness of the allegations
- Any aggravating circumstances (for example, the use of a weapon)
- Whether the defendant understood the criminality of their conduct
- Whether the defendant is a repeat offender
The decision to transfer a juvenile case to the adult system can be made automatically as a result of legislation or at the discretion of the judge. And once a juvenile defendant has been tried as an adult, any future charges will also be dealt with in the adult system.
When a juvenile case is dealt with in the adult system, the defendant is exposed to harsher penalties usually reserved for adults. It also excludes them from other sentencing options, such as counseling or education programs offered to juvenile offenders and ways to keep the juvenile’s record clean (such as sealing their arrest and subsequent prosecution).
Collateral Consequences Of A Conviction In Texas For A Juvenile Offense
In addition to the judgment/sentence imposed by the judge, there can also be collateral consequences for defendants convicted of juvenile offenses.
A criminal conviction can disrupt a defendant’s schooling, especially if they serve time in juvenile detention. A conviction can also affect their access to education more generally. Some schools may not accept students with a criminal record and many colleges ask applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
While many people believe juvenile criminal records “disappear” once someone becomes an adult, this is not an automatic process and it is imperative to know how to seal a juvenile’s record, if they are eligible for sealing. For example, potential employers and landlords often have access to juvenile records when running background checks. The armed forces also require applicants to disclose any juvenile convictions.
Law enforcement and courts may also access juvenile records when dealing with an adult offender, which can increase both the category of offense they are charged with and the severity of their sentence.
Convictions for certain offenses as a juvenile may also require a defendant to register as a sex offender or restrict them from owning a firearm well into adulthood.
Your Rights For Juvenile Arrests In Texas
Both minors and their parents or legal guardians have rights when a minor is arrested in Texas or is asked questions as a witness in a criminal matter. Parents and legal guardians also have rights. When a right is violated, this violation can be used as part of your defense strategy. This is in part why it is critical to speak to a juvenile defense lawyer in Texas as soon as possible.
Your Child Has Rights
The U.S. Constitution as well as most state constitutions outline certain rights for each person, whether a juvenile or an adult. These rights include but are not necessarily limited to:
- The right to be free from any unreasonable search and seizure
- The right against self-incrimination
- The right to refuse any questioning
- The right to an attorney during police questioning
Further, when a minor is detained or arrested, the police typically have an obligation to contact a parent or legal guardian, or at least make a reasonable attempt to do so.
Parents Have Rights
As a parent or legal guardian, you have rights in cases where your child has been arrested or detained by the police. Three such rights include:
- The right to be present with your child during questioning
- The right to know the reason your child was arrested or detained
- The right to have or retain an attorney for your child
As a parent or guardian, it is always in your child’s best interest to remain calm. You can request to see your child at any time while the child is in police custody.
Contact A Juvenile Defense Attorney In Texas Today
We know that as a parent – and for that matter as a minor – you will have many questions and even more worries and fears during a criminal case. At The Lowe Law Office, PLLC, our juvenile defense lawyer will sit down with you to explain everything you need to know and keep you informed during the process.
If your child is facing criminal charges as a juvenile, get a Board-Certified in criminal law attorney to ensure they are treated fairly through the criminal system. Any mistakes could have long-lasting impacts on your child’s life. Call (817) 660-7601 to schedule a Free Consultation with our juvenile defense attorney at The Lowe Law Office, PLLC today.
Get Your Questions Answered -
Call Us For Your Free, 20 Min Phone Consultation
(817) 660-7601
