A phone call telling you that your child has been arrested is one of the most frightening experiences a parent can face. Suddenly, you are navigating a legal system you may have never encountered before while trying to understand your child’s rights, the potential consequences, and what steps to take next.
If your child is facing criminal allegations, you need a Friendswood juvenile crime lawyer who understands Texas juvenile law and can help protect your child’s future.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson, our team has served over 20,000 clients and provides experienced guidance and aggressive representation for families facing juvenile charges.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Friendswood to discuss your child’s case and learn how we may be able to help.
What Qualifies as a Juvenile Crime in Texas?
Under Texas law, a juvenile is usually someone between the ages of 10 and 16. In most cases, people who are 17 or older are handled in adult court, although some situations can change where the case is heard.
The juvenile justice system uses different terminology than adult criminal courts. Instead of being convicted, a young person may be adjudicated delinquent. Even so, juvenile charges can have serious and lasting consequences.
Under the Texas Family Code, juvenile offenses will generally fall into two categories: Delinquent Conduct and Conduct Indicating a Need for Supervision (CINS).
Delinquent Conduct includes crimes that would be considered misdemeanors or felonies if committed by an adult. CINS includes certain behaviors that are only considered offenses because of the person’s age, such as skipping school or running away.
Examples of Juvenile Crimes
Common juvenile crimes we can defend in Friendswood include:
- Theft crimes like shoplifting and property crimes
- Vandalism and criminal mischief
- Drug offenses like marijuana possession
- Assault and disorderly conduct
- Underage drinking and minor in possession (MIP)
- Trespassing and burglary
- Arson charges from fireworks or other explosives
- Sexting and online communication offenses
- Juvenile DWI and alcohol-related driving offenses
- Sex crimes and sexual assault
- School-related offenses and weapons on campus
Regardless of the juvenile offense, a criminal defense lawyer’s goal is the same: to protect your child from the harshest possible consequences and preserve their opportunity for a productive and bright future.
Can a Minor Be Charged as an Adult in Texas?
In Texas, a minor can be charged as an adult through a process called judicial transfer or discretionary transfer. While the juvenile court typically handles cases for those under 17, a judge may waive jurisdiction for serious felonies committed by those aged 14 or older.
The court will evaluate the case, the minor’s record, and community safety before making a decision. A juvenile crime lawyer in Friendswood can also help build a defense and explain what this process entails.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile crime lawyer serving Friendswood, call (281) 280-0100 today
Will My Child Go to Jail in Friendswood?
It’s unlikely that your child will go to jail unless they are 17 or older; then they are considered adults and may face traditional jail.
For those aged 10 to 16, cases typically stay in the juvenile system, which prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment.
Serious felonies may lead to your child being placed in a specialized facility, but many local cases are resolved through probation, counseling, or diversion programs designed to keep families together.
How a Friendswood Juvenile Crime Lawyer Can Help Protect Against Long-Term Consequences
One of the most important aspects of defending a juvenile case is thinking long term. While the juvenile justice system is designed to focus on rehabilitation and giving young people opportunities to move forward, the case can still have lasting effects on your child’s future.
The decisions made during this process can impact everything from your child’s education and employment opportunities to whether they may face more serious consequences later on.
Understanding the potential long-term consequences of a juvenile charge is an important part of protecting your child’s rights and future. Two areas that may significantly affect a juvenile case include the impact of juvenile records and the possibility of a case being transferred to adult court.
Juvenile Records and Expungement
Many parents are surprised to learn that juvenile records in Texas are not automatically sealed or destroyed. Under certain conditions, a juvenile record can follow a young person into adulthood and affect college admissions, job applications, and housing.
A juvenile crime lawyer in Friendswood from our firm can evaluate whether your child’s record may qualify for expungement or sealing, giving them a genuine fresh start.
Transfer to Adult Court
In serious cases involving violent offenses or repeat adjudications, prosecutors may seek to certify a juvenile for trial as an adult. If your child faces this possibility, the stakes could not be any higher.
An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can help guide your family through this process by reviewing the circumstances of the case, challenging transfer requests when appropriate, and advocating for your child to remain in the juvenile justice system when possible.
Having legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your child’s rights and work toward the best possible outcome for their future.
Friendswood Juvenile Crime Lawyer Near Me (281) 280-0100
Contact a Juvenile Crime Law Firm in Friendswood Today
When your child’s future is on the line because of criminal charges, there is no room for delay or uncertainty. A juvenile conviction can carry long-term consequences that impact educational opportunities and career paths well into adulthood.
You need a dedicated legal advocate who understands the nuances of the juvenile justice system and can work to protect your family.
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson has over 100 years of combined experience and is here for you and your family as you navigate a juvenile investigation or charge.
Reach out to our firm for a free consultation with our juvenile defense attorneys today. Proven & Verifiable Results.
Call or text (281) 280-0100 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to get started