Juvenile justice in Texas is a complex system that handles young people who have been accused of crimes. In Texas, anyone under the age of 17 is considered a juvenile, and their cases are handled in a separate court system from adult criminal cases. Juvenile cases are designed to provide rehabilitation and treatment for young people instead of punishment, with the goal of helping them to become productive and law-abiding citizens.

When a juvenile is accused of a crime, their case will typically begin with a detention hearing. During this hearing, a judge will decide if the juvenile should be held in a secure detention center or released to a parent or guardian. If the juvenile is released, they may be placed on electronic monitoring or ordered to attend counseling, drug testing, or other programs designed to help them address the issues that led to their criminal behavior.

If a juvenile is charged with a crime, they will be referred to a juvenile probation officer, who will determine if the case should proceed in the juvenile court system or if it should be transferred to the adult criminal court system. Factors that may influence this decision include the severity of the crime, the age of the juvenile, and their criminal history.

In the juvenile court system, if a juvenile is adjudicated of delinquent conduct (juveniles are not found guilty), they may be ordered to attend counseling, drug treatment, or other programs designed to help them turn their lives around. They may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of their crime or to perform community service.  Depending on the offence, they may be sentenced to state facilities run by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which are the equivalent of prisons.

Differences Between the Juvenile Justice System and the Adult Justice System

One of the key differences between the juvenile justice system and the adult criminal justice system is that juvenile records are confidential. This means that the public cannot access information about a juvenile’s criminal history, and the information is not available to potential employers or educational institutions. However, some serious crimes, such as murder or sexual assault, can result in a juvenile’s case being transferred to the adult criminal court system, where they will be tried as an adult and face adult consequences if found guilty.

If your child has been accused of a crime, call our office today!
Scott Stillson has a deep understanding of the unique challenges that juveniles face in the criminal justice system, and is dedicated to providing aggressive and compassionate representation for our clients. We understand the impact that a criminal conviction can have on a young person’s future, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive a fair and just outcome.

Whether your child is facing charges for a minor offense or a more serious crime, we are here to help.

If your child has been accused of a crime, it is important to act quickly and secure experienced legal representation. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free phone consultation and learn how we can help protect your child’s rights and future.  Don’t let a criminal charge ruin your child’s future. Contact us today and let us put our expertise to work for you.

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