Juvenile Criminal Defense

According to the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, over 140,000 juveniles between the ages of ten and 16 years old were arrested for a juvenile crime (or delinquent conduct) in 2006.  Of those arrests, over 100,000 of them were referred to juvenile probation departments.  The Texas Family Code defines a "child" as someone who is ten years of age but under age 17.

Juvenile Cases are Unique

Juvenile cases involve both civil and criminal aspects.  Unlike in adult criminal cases, the Texas juvenile courts treat juvenile offenders as people who need rehabilitation instead of criminal punishment.  Therefore, juveniles are not "convicted" of a crime, but are found to have engaged in delinquent conduct. 

Additionally, when a child has been arrested, he or she is not released on bail or bond.  Juvenile offenders are either detained or released to the parent's custody.  In deciding whether to detain or release the child, the court considers several factors.  It is important to consult with an attorney who is experienced in juvenile matters so that you have the best chance of having your child released into your custody. 

Juvenile Offenses Carry Serious Punishments

Depending on the offense that was committed, Texas imposes strict punishments.  To ensure consistent and uniform punishments, Texas adopted the Progressive Sanctions Model, which assigns punishment levels one through seven depending on the severity of the offense committed.  The punishments range from court-ordered counseling and informing the parents that they need to closely monitor the child's behavior in Sanction Level One to detention for a minimum of 12 months, parole for a minimum of 12 months, and restitution for the victim of the conduct in Sanction Level Seven. 

The fact that these punishments can be severe depending on the classification of the offense means that it is crucial to hire experienced legal counsel who understands the Progressive Sanctions Model classifications and the potential punishments each sanction level carries. 

Seek Experienced Legal Counsel

If your son or daughter has been charged with a juvenile delinquent activity, it is important to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure that your child's rights are protected.  To schedule a consultation regarding your case, contact Sondra Kaighen & Associates, P.C. today.