Has your minor child been accused of or arrested for committing a crime in Texas? If so, we can help. Texas defines juveniles as minors-older than 10 years of age and under the age of 17. We understand the severe consequences a criminal charge or criminal conviction can have on a minor’s future.
Working with a Juvenile Defense Attorney
Although juvenile law is set forth within the Texas Family Code (not the Criminal Code), do not assume that the juvenile charges faced by your child should be taken lightly. If your child has been charged for criminal conduct as a juvenile, whether it be underage drinking, assault and battery, date rape, weapons charges, theft, vandalism, or a sex crime, your child is facing laws that can have a lasting effect on his/her future and carry severe penalties as well. A juvenile defense attorney at K&M Attorneys at Law can offer expert defense for your child.
Protecting Your Child’s Rights
Even if accused or arrested, your minor child is still protected by some criminal procedure protections you may already be familiar with, such as the right to be free from self-incrimination. The juvenile system is designed to emphasize the rehabilitation of the minor child in trouble, as opposed to the adult system which is designed to punish the offender. In many ways, the terminology of the juvenile system takes a softer approach as well. For example, a juvenile is referred to as a respondent, not as defendant as he/she would be in the criminal system.
Additionally, under most circumstances, a juvenile’s adjudication/disposition record is eligible for sealing, enabling the minor child to eventually put this past error behind him or her. An adult only has the option of expungement or order of non-disclosure under limited circumstances. Ultimately, the juvenile court’s goal is to focus on the best interest of the minor child and to determine what services or protections are needed to protect and help the minor child and those around him/her.
Contact a juvenile defense attorney today.
At K&M, we regularly handle cases for juveniles charged with criminal offenses and are dedicated to helping those families of children charged with juvenile crimes. We invite you to contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your child’s situation and how we can best help him/her and you through this difficult process.
