Juvenile Criminal Attorney in Houston

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department Detention

In Texas, juvenile detention through the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) is a secure confinement facility for youth accused of or adjudicated for criminal offenses. When a juvenile is arrested, they may be held in a county-level detention facility while awaiting their court hearing if they're considered a risk to public safety or likely to not appear for court proceedings. A detention hearing must be held within two working days to determine if continued detention is necessary.

After adjudication (the juvenile court equivalent of being found guilty), youth who commit more serious offenses may be committed to TJJD state facilities for rehabilitation & treatment. The length of stay depends on the offense & the youth's progress in treatment programs, with an emphasis on eventually transitioning them back to their communities under supervision. Unlike adult prisons, juvenile detention centers in Texas are required to maintain higher staff-to-youth ratios & provide more extensive educational & therapeutic services.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Texas

A finding of delinquent conduct can have a profound and lasting impact on a child's life. The penalties a court can impose are only part of the story. Our role as your juvenile crimes attorney in Houston is not only to fight the direct penalties but also to help you understand and mitigate the long-term collateral consequences that can affect your child's future.

The direct legal penalties for a juvenile offense are different from the adult system. The focus is on rehabilitation and supervision, but the penalties can still be severe.

• Probation: A common disposition is probation, which can last for several years and require the child to adhere to strict conditions, such as school attendance, curfews, and counseling.
• Commitment to TJJD: For a serious felony-level offense, a child can be committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), which is a secure correctional facility. This is the equivalent of a prison sentence in the adult system.
• Fines and Restitution: The court can impose fines and order the child to pay restitution to the victim.
• Mandatory Counseling: The court can order the child to attend a variety of programs, such as anger management, drug and alcohol counseling, or an educational program.

Collateral Consequences

A juvenile record can follow a child into adulthood and can create significant barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Many employers and professional licensing boards conduct background checks, and a juvenile record, even if sealed, can be a red flag.

Additionally, a juvenile record can affect a child's ability to get into college, as many universities and colleges ask about past criminal activity. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage a child's reputation and personal relationships.

The Texas Criminal Defense Process for Juvenile Crime Charges

Navigating the Texas juvenile justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. The process is different from the adult criminal system, and it requires a defense team with a deep understanding of the unique rules and procedures. Our firm provides a clear, step-by-step guide and will be with you at every stage, ensuring you understand your rights and your options.

1. Referral to Juvenile Court: The process begins when a law enforcement officer or another authority refers a child to the juvenile court. This referral is similar to a criminal complaint in the adult system.
2. Preliminary Investigation and Detention Hearing: The juvenile probation department will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if the child should be detained or released to their parents. If the child is detained, a detention hearing must be held within 48 hours of their arrest. This is a critical hearing where a skilled Houston juvenile crimes lawyer can argue for your child's release.
3. Formal Petition: If the probation department decides to proceed with the case, a formal petition will be filed with the juvenile court. This is the equivalent of a grand jury indictment in the adult system.
4. Adjudication Hearing: This is the equivalent of a criminal trial. The judge, not a jury, will hear evidence and determine whether the child engaged in the alleged delinquent conduct. The standard of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt," the same as in the adult system.
5. Disposition Hearing: If the child is found to have engaged in delinquent conduct, a disposition hearing will be held. This is the equivalent of a sentencing hearing. The judge will consider the child's history, the nature of the offense, and the recommendations of the probation department to determine the appropriate disposition.
6. Plea Negotiations: The majority of juvenile cases are resolved through plea bargains. We are skilled negotiators who will work with the prosecutor to secure a favorable plea agreement, such as informal probation or a diversion program that can lead to a dismissal of the case.

We are an assertive juvenile crimes attorney in Houston who will be your unwavering advocate from your initial contact with law enforcement to the final resolution of your case.

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