Texas Juvenile Crimes
Montgomery County Juvenile Crime Attorneys
Defending Clients in Montgomery County and Surrounding Counties
Juvenile crimes are those that are committed by minors from the ages of 10 to 16 in Texas. These crimes fall under the Texas juvenile justice system which differs from the adult court system. They can include any type of criminal offense, ranging from minor Class C misdemeanors to serious felonies. Unfortunately, if not handled with the help of an attorney experienced in defending juveniles, minors can face a difficult future if found guilty of crimes. These crimes can impact their ability to realize their dreams of advanced education, make it challenging to gain employment or advance their career, or take advantage of other life opportunities.
Juvenile Crimes in Texas
Regardless of their age, juveniles can commit the same crimes as adults. Because of peer pressure, immaturity, a lack of understanding of consequences as well as ignorance of the law, these minors can find themselves under arrest or charged with crimes ranging from assault to drug possession and other serious felonies.
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We defend juveniles against all crimes in the Texas juvenile court system. The juvenile justice system does not involve indictments but petitions filed against the offender alleging that he/she has engaged in unlawful conduct. As the parent or guardian, you will be notified of this. The juvenile can be taken into custody for his/her behavior without the need for an arrest warrant where probable cause exists that a criminal offense has been committed.
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Contact us today at
936-225-5043
What happens next after an arrest?
If the juvenile has been taken into custody and is being held at a juvenile detention center they will be scheduled for a detention hearing before a judge. The parent or guardian should be notified of this court date. If the juvenile is released after the initial detention hearing, he/she will have certain conditions and terms imposed by the judge with which he/she must comply. These can involve attending alternative school, community service, restitution, or other actions. The court may also impose conditions or terms upon parents/guardians as well. If the juvenile is not released then a future detention hearing will be scheduled.
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Depending on the alleged offense, those who have committed more serious crimes may face further custody under the juvenile justice system until turning 19 or be placed on probation. Punishment may go past the age of 19 for cases involving determinate sentencing where a juvenile can be transferred to an adult prison to continue serving a sentence. In addition, for certain offenses a juvenile may be certified as an adult and will stand trial in adult court with adult court sentences.
What to expect in court
If the juvenile has not been taken into custody, then whether charges are filed by a petition depends on the prosecuting attorney's office. If charges are filed then a summons will be issued requiring the juvenile and a parent or guardian to appear in court. If a juvenile remains in custody they will also have court date where their case will be handled in court.
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At a typical court setting, a judge, prosecuting attorney, and other court staff will present along with the juvenile and their parent or guardian. It is important to have an attorney there to represent the juvenile and argue your side of the case.
