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Juvenile Crimes Attorney in San Marcos, Texas

Defending Minors Against Criminal Charges

When children commit crimes, they can be charged in juvenile court. And while juvenile charges are different from adult charges, they still present very real consequences that can impact your child for the rest of their life. For those without a legal background, the juvenile court system can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why you need a juvenile criminal defense attorney to represent your child and get them the outcome they deserve in their juvenile case.

Our legal professionals are prepared to represent your child, whether they are facing a minor offense or a more serious one. We will immediately begin investigating the evidence against them and building a solid legal defense strategy to reduce or remove the penalties they are facing. We know how difficult it can be to watch your child navigate the court system, and we are committed to serving you and your family throughout their entire case.

Our team at Seymour & Vaughn is here to help you through the juvenile justice system. For a free consultation and to learn more about our services, please call our law office at 830-282-8751.

What Are the Most Common Juvenile Crimes in Texas?

In Texas, anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 can be charged as a juvenile. Juveniles can be charged for engaging in delinquent conduct, breaking a criminal law, or violating probation.

The most common juvenile criminal charges include:

  • DUI: Underage drinking and driving can lead to DUI charges. DUIs can result in fines, jail time, and a license suspension
  • Truancy: Unless a minor is homeschooled, has withdrawn, or has already gotten their degree, they must be enrolled in school. After ten unexcused absences, minors in Texas can be charged with truancy
  • Alcohol offenses: Any minors under the age of 21 can be charged if they are found in possession of alcohol
  • Drug offenses: Selling, using, and distributing drugs can lead to drug charges. Minors can be charged as adults if the quantity of drugs is large enough
  • Terroristic threats: Smuggling a firearm into school or participating in terroristic acts can lead to criminal charges
  • Vandalism: Many children think it’s not a big deal to destroy property. However, children can be charged with vandalism, especially if the damage is worth more than $100
  • Theft: Even stealing a low-value object can lead to fines or community service. Children who steal high-ticket items could face jail time

What Are the Most Common Penalties for Juvenile Crimes?

The juvenile justice system is focused on rehabilitation and treatment rather than incarceration. Most minors facing criminal charges will be given options besides jail time so they can continue to go to school or work. However, the penalties for a juvenile conviction will depend on the actual charges, your child’s criminal record, and the skill of your juvenile criminal defense attorney.

There are many penalties a child could face, including:

Restitution

Many theft charges involve restitution. If a minor is ordered to pay restitution, they must pay the victim or the victim’s family for the item they stole.

Supervisory Caution

Under supervisory caution, the Texas Probation Department will counsel the minor. They may also refer the minor to child or family social services.

Detention

The Texas Youth Commission has various facilities for juveniles. Minors under 21 may be detained in one of these facilities.

Probation

Probation often involves community services, loss of driving privileges, and a curfew. Minors can often serve probation from their home or foster care.

Imprisonment

If minors are convicted of a serious crime, they may be transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after they serve the juvenile portion of their sentence.

Community Service

Community service can be given as a stand-alone sentence. It may also be given as a condition of probation.

Diversion Programs

Diversion programs, also called alternative programs, allow juveniles to take responsibility for their actions. By taking responsibility, they can avoid the typical criminal justice system and instead join a rehabilitation or empowerment program. There are several programs like this available in Texas.

What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Conviction?

Having a conviction on your record impacts your future in more ways than one. Juvenile cases and convictions can lead to other consequences besides the sentence that the court hands out.

The collateral consequences of a juvenile conviction include:

  • Electronic monitoring
  • Restricted travel
  • Curfew
  • Loss of driving privileges
  • Required check-ins with a juvenile justice officer or probation officer
  • Sex offender registration (for sexual assault cases)
  • Difficulty getting into college
  • Difficulty getting a job
  • Difficulty completing current education
  • Immigration issues, like ineligibility for citizenship

The best way to avoid these consequences is by working with a juvenile defense attorney on our team. Contact us today for more information.

How Are Juvenile Charges Different?

The juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system are two separate entities. Unlike the adult system, a police officer doesn’t need a warrant to make a juvenile arrest. However, the juvenile’s parents must be notified immediately.

While adult court mainly focuses on punishment, the juvenile system is focused on rehabilitation and treatment. There are many alternatives that juveniles can use to avoid going to jail if properly used by their juvenile defense attorney.

There are other differences between the court systems, including:

Records

Juvenile records are typically sealed to protect the minor in the future. Some records are expunged or sealed once the juvenile reaches a certain age. Adult criminal records are typically open to the public unless they are sealed or expunged through a strict legal process.

Legal Proceedings

The legal process for juvenile cases is often less formal and involves more confidential protections. Juvenile cases are often tried in closed hearings.

Can Juveniles Be Tried as Adults?

While most juveniles are tried in juvenile court, there are some instances when those under 17 can be tried as adults. In most cases, these are serious offenses or violent crimes.

Juveniles may be tried as adults for the following:

  • Felony drug offenses
  • Violent felonies
  • Habitual offenses

Showing resistance to rehabilitation efforts, like not completing community service or not meeting with a probation officer, can also lead to trial in adult court. The legal system is much less forgiving of habitual offenders, and juveniles are no exception. If your child has a criminal record or you’re worried about them being tried as an adult, please contact our team today.

What Can a Juvenile Lawyer Do for You?

Protecting your child is of the utmost importance. If your child has been charged with a crime, they need an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney to protect them from criminal penalties. Even juvenile offenses have serious consequences, and your child could be heading down a difficult path if they are convicted in court.

As your legal team, we will examine the evidence against your child and look for ways to reduce or remove their penalties. We will meet with the prosecutors and negotiate your child’s sentence to see if they can avoid jail time. We can also advocate for your child, highlighting their accomplishments and bright prospects to avoid harsh consequences.

At Seymour & Vaughn, we believe that children are the future. We want to keep kids out of jail and get them the outcome they deserve in their cases. For more information and to receive a consultation, please call us today at 830-282-8751.