Georgetown, TX Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Skilled Legal Protection for Your Child in Texas

Has your child been arrested for a juvenile offense in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park or anywhere in Williamson County? If so, we understand how stressful such a situation can be for the entire family. Your worries likely range from what will happen in the next few days or weeks to how this will affect your child’s life in the future – their ability to get into college, to get a good job, and more.

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our Georgetown, TX juvenile crimes lawyers understand your anxiety and are here to provide the answers, support, and strong legal representation you need to pursue a favorable result.

Our firm is committed to ensuring that you have dedicated and strong legal advocacy. Our team consists of proven trial lawyers who know how to investigate and develop a strong defense and who bring a compelling presence to court. Experience matters in all criminal cases, whether they involve a minor or adult, and our firm has demonstrated its competence time and time again for Texans throughout the area.

Discuss your child’s case with a Georgetown juvenile crimes attorney during a free consultation. Call Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (512) 359-3743 to get started today.

Juvenile Offenses in Texas

The label “juvenile crime” refers to criminal offenses are committed by someone between the ages of 10 and 17. These individuals can commit the same crimes as an adult, from low-level Class C misdemeanors up to felonies. However, the cases are generally handled differently in juvenile court. The main objective of the juvenile court is to rehabilitate youth as opposed to punishing them. However, depending on the crime involved in your child’s case, they might still face some type of incarceration, probation, or other penalties based on the seriousness of the offense. In the least serious, they may be given only a warning and let off.

In Texas, common types of juvenile crimes can include:

• Underage drinking
• Using a fake ID
• Drug possession and other drug crimes
• Curfew violations
• Shoplifting/theft crimes
• Driving with an open container of alcohol
• Vandalism/graffiti
• Disorderly conduct
• Assault
• Gang activity

If your child is taken into custody, you must be notified. They are allowed two phone calls and are given all the same constitutional rights as an adult. Among these is the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If your minor is taken to a juvenile facility, you also have the right to visit them in a private setting. Additionally, you must be notified by the court of any proceeding that is to take place against them.

Texas Juvenile Court Process

Most juvenile cases begin with a delinquency petition followed by a court hearing, where a judge will determine whether or not your child committed the offense. Juvenile court is conducted with a judge only; juries are not used.

Should the judge rule that your child did not commit the offense, the case will be dropped. If the judge decides that your child engaged in delinquent conduct, they will determine the type of consequences to impose.

In cases where a child over the age of 14 has committed a serious offense or has a pattern of criminal activity, they may be certified as an adult and thus tried in the adult criminal courts. A serious offense would involve some type of violent crime. Certification as an adult occurs after a hearing is conducted to fully investigate and review the charges levied against your teenager.

Legal Representation from a Georgetown Juvenile Crimes Attorney

If your child is facing some type of criminal charge, it is vital to have a competent defense lawyer on your side. Our Georgetown juvenile crimes lawyers are experienced trial attorneys who know how to build strong cases and how to present a compelling argument before the court. We understand how important it is to protect your child’s future. That is why we will use our extensive skills and knowledge to seek a favorable outcome in your child’s case throughout Williamson County.

Phone us at (512) 359-3743 or contact our Georgetown, TX juvenile crimes attorneys through our online request form today.