Dallas Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney
Defending Minors against Criminal Charges throughout Texas
If your child has been charged with a crime and is in danger of facing severe consequences, you are likely alarmed and unsure of what to do next. The first step towards protecting your child’s future is to contact an experienced juvenile defense attorney in Dallas.
When you turn to the Law Offices of Robert Gregg, we can explain the charges against your child and help you determine an effective legal course of action to ensure that his or her rights are not violated.
Contact us online or at (214) 891-7536 for a free case evaluation.
Juvenile Crimes in Texas
In Texas, when a child between the ages of 10 and 16 is charged with a crime, he or she will be processed through the juvenile system. The juvenile system differs from the criminal justice system for adults in that the focus is on the child’s rehabilitation rather than punishment. Another difference is that juvenile cases are handled in civil proceedings.
Juveniles are often charged with:
- Trespassing
- Assault
- Battery
- Sexual assault
- Sexual misconduct
- Underage drinking
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Truancy
- Gang-related offenses
- Vandalism
- Drug crimes
Minor offenses may only result in law enforcement serving a warning to the parents and the child. More serious offenses will be handed over to juvenile probation officers to handle the next steps of the juvenile criminal process.
Children who are over the age of 14 may be tried as an adult if they committed a crime that involved the use of a deadly weapon or resulted in a serious injury. Due to the significant, life-altering consequences of an adult criminal conviction, it is crucial to have a skilled Dallas juvenile lawyer fighting to defend against these types of charges.
First Offender Program
After a police officer has taken a child into custody, the official may refer the child to a first offender program rather than sending the child to the juvenile justice system. These programs are designed to promote the child’s rehabilitation.
First offender programs typically involve:
- Community service
- Education
- Vocational training
- Restitution to victims
- Counseling or other rehabilitation services
Participation in a first offender program is voluntary and requires parental consent. Successful completion of the program will result in a closed case and a clean record.
A Dallas Juvenile Defense Lawyer Can Help
An essential part of protecting your child’s legal rights is having the right criminal defense lawyer on your side. If you are seeking an experienced juvenile crimes attorney in Dallas with a proven track record of success, reach out to the Law Offices of Robert Gregg.
For serious legal representation from a trusted law firm, contact us today at (214) 891-7536.