Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in Plano

Standing up for Minors in the Criminal Justice System

Has your son or daughter been picked up by law enforcement for inappropriate behavior or on suspicion of a criminal offense? Understanding where you stand and how the legal system works for juveniles is vital, as is the need for a competent defense lawyer. At Zen Law Firm, we understand the frustration, anxiety, and concern about what will happen to your child, how the situation will affect his or her future, and what can be done to help ensure that the best possible outcome can be achieved. 

Our Plano juvenile criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in the mechanics and methods of the Texas juvenile court system. We work diligently to help your child receive fair treatment, get the help they need, and minimize or avoid punitive measures that could damage their future. 

Clients throughout Texas can connect with us at (469) 361-8561 for a free case consultation. You can also request a consultation through our online form.

Protecting the Rights of Minors Accused of Crimes

The juvenile justice system is different from the adult criminal system. There are no juries or public proceedings. There is no finding of guilty or not guilty. The judge weighs the evidence and decides what punishment or treatment, if any, the youth should receive. Our role is to make sure that your son or daughter is treated fairly and given an opportunity to refute the charges or tell their side.

If your child faces juvenile charges, we will try to get them released to you rather than sent to juvenile detention. If your child is accused of a major felony, the prosecutor may seek to have them charged and tried as an adult. We will fight to keep them in the juvenile system and out of state prison. 

Juvenile Offenses & Potential Consequences

Under Texas law, juveniles are children ranging in age from 10 to 16. Children under the age of 10 are not held responsible for criminal offenses. Teenagers aged 17 and above are generally prosecuted as adults. Juvenile offenses can include behavior that is not appropriate for the child’s age, such as underage drinking, as well as criminal offenses, such as drug possession.

Examples of juvenile crimes include:

• Alcohol offenses, such as using a fake ID to buy alcohol, being found intoxicated in a public place, or being found in possession of alcohol
• Underage DWI
• Truancy
• Drug crimes, such as possession, sales, or distribution of marijuana and other street drugs, or falsely-obtained prescription medicines
• Shoplifting and other theft crimes
• Sexting
• Other sex crimes, such as sexual assault or stalking
• Criminal traffic offenses
• Property crimes, such as vandalism, trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Simple assault

If your child is picked up by police on suspicion of a crime, he or she will be sent to a processing center and you will be notified. A hearing will be held within 48 hours to determine if he or she should be further detained or released into your care. If detained, a hearing will be conducted every 10 days to determine if the child should continue to be detained or released. 

To be released, specific conditions will have to be met, similar to probation for an adult. These conditions will generally apply to both you as parents and your child. If charges are filed, a judge will determine what the consequences will be regarding rehabilitation and/or sentencing. In some cases, the juvenile may be sent on to be prosecuted as an adult in the adult criminal justice system.

You Can Rely Zen Law Firm

To give your child the best possible chance at a positive outcome, let us help you navigate the juvenile justice system and advocate on behalf of your child throughout all court hearings and process steps. Our legal team has the skills, ability, and dedication needed to make a difference in their case.

Contact us at (469) 361-8561 today to speak to our knowledgeable Plano juvenile crimes attorneys.