Juvenile Offenses in Texas
Every person who is charged with a criminal offense deserves to have an aggressive and dedicated criminal defense attorney working on his or her behalf. When the accused is a juvenile or a child, however, the need to have someone representing your interests is often increased. The juvenile justice system in Texas has a unique set of procedures and issues that require a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer to navigate your family through the process. You also want to work with someone who is sensitive to the psychological or educational problems that may have landed your child in this difficult situation.
Your child may be facing charges concerning crimes such as sexual assault, drug offenses, truancy, mischief or other violations of the law that could come with either felony of misdemeanor consequences. Our attorneys know that learning your son or daughter may have committed one of these crimes can be an emotional and distressing moment. Educating yourself about the details of the charges and preparing your child for the process to come are important steps that should be top priorities for your family.
In the state of Texas, juvenile jurisdiction is granted for those between the ages of ten (10) and sixteen (16) years old. Intake officers who work in the juvenile probation unit will determine if counseling, the involvement of a social service agency, or criminal proceedings in a courtroom will need to take place.
If your child ends up in a juvenile court, the criminal court judge has several possible options ranging from dismissal of all charges to confinement in a correctional facility. The justice system in Texas wants the best for its children and closely supervised probation will be the desired penalty whenever possible. Those serious offenders who do require confinement will likely find themselves in a Texas Youth Commission facility. For some felony offenses, a juvenile who is at least fourteen years old can be ordered to stand trial in an adult criminal court.
The criminal defense attorneys at Bertolino LLP will take every possible step to make sure that juveniles who are accused of criminal activity are given the needed attention and care that the situation warrants. We want every young person in Texas to have a bright future and we have lawyers in our Austin, Houston, and San Antonio offices with the background in juvenile justice that you need.
Contact an Experienced Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney at Bertolino LLP
The juvenile criminal defense attorneys at Bertolino LLP have the experience you need in defending clients facing both federal and state charges. With offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, we are accessible to meet your needs. If you are facing a criminal charge, please contact our nearest office today. Bertolino LLP has office locations in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. To contact the Austin office, call 512.476.5757. For the San Antonio office, call 210.223.5553. For the Houston office, call 713.225.7474. You may also contact the Firm by e-mail.
