Juvenile Crimes
Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Sugar Land, Texas and the Surrounding Areas
A child detained is a devastating experience for many parents. Whether they have actually committed a serious crime or have been falsely accused, these charges can ruin a child’s life for years to come. If your son, daughter, or loved one is charged with a crime, you need a reliable Sugar Land criminal defense lawyer to fight for your rights.
At the Law Office of Annie Scott, we are committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of juveniles charged with crimes in Sugar Land TX. Our legal team will help you learn what to expect from the juvenile justice system. We will evaluate your case, gather all necessary evidence, and aim for the best possible outcome in juvenile court.
Call our criminal defense law firm now and schedule an initial free consultation. Calls answered 24 hours a day/7 days a week by a live person.
Why Do I Need a Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Sugar Land?
When a minor faces a criminal charge, their entire future may be at stake. Juvenile crimes can have damaging effects on a child’s reputation and self-esteem. With the aggressive legal representation of a top-ranking Sugar Land TX juvenile crimes attorney, it may be possible to minimize the long-term effects of being detained.
Our criminal defense law firm has a strong command of the criminal procedures involved. We work alongside each client, reviewing every detail of the criminal case and exploring all possible legal options to determine the best course of action. We fight diligently to pursue non-detention options such as probation, community service, and treatment programs. Call us now and schedule an initial case evaluation with our team.
What is a Juvenile Crime?
The definition of a “child” is dependent on his or her age. If your child is under 17 and is detained for a crime, they will likely be charged as a juvenile. Juvenile charges contain elements of both civil and criminal law. The focus of the juvenile justice system is to rehabilitate the minor so that he or she can be a functioning and law-abiding adult.
In Texas, a juvenile charge is defined as a crime occurring between the individual’s 10th and 17th birthday. Anyone older than the “juvenile age” will go to adult criminal court. Juvenile charges can result from breaking a criminal law, engaging in delinquent conduct, or violating a court order or probation. If your child is detained for committing any crime, consult a credible Sugar Land juvenile crimes attorney as soon as possible to help you determine the legal options in your juvenile case.
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What is the Process of the Juvenile Justice System?
Minors who get into trouble with the law often go through a different process than adults. Unlike adult criminal cases, juveniles are not given the option of posting bail and may have to remain in custody pending their detention hearing on serious criminal charges.
When a child is detained, they can be detained in juvenile detention overnight. If they have been detained for violent crimes, the detention may be extended for 10 days or longer. A detention hearing will be held by the juvenile court judge within 24 hours of a juvenile detained to decide whether or not the individual should be detained further.
The offender may be released into the parent’s custody with conditions set by the judge until another hearing is held in 30 to 90 days. Minors who have committed violent crimes or drug crimes may not be released but held for another 10 to 14 days until the next hearing. The prosecutor’s office will decide whether a minor should be referred to the juvenile court or have his or her case dismissed. If the court proves that the individual has committed the crime, he or she will be put on probation or placed in a juvenile facility.
What are the Potential Consequences for Juvenile Crimes in Sugar Land?
Punishments in juvenile cases involve a wide range of alternatives to detention. The juvenile system differs from the adult criminal justice system in its greater emphasis on rehabilitation and prevention rather than harsh punitive punishments. If your child is detained for a juvenile offense in Texas, contact a skilled Sugar Land juvenile crimes lawyer immediately to help fight the charges and avoid potential penalties.
If a judge determines that a juvenile has committed the accused crime, the court can incarcerate the child in an adult prison, a juvenile facility, or a group home. In some cases, children are sentenced to juvenile facilities until they turn 17, and then they are moved to an adult prison. A child whose case is transferred to adult court will usually receive a harsher sentence.
Many factors can affect the actual penalties faced for juvenile offenses. These include the severity of the crime, the behavior and penitence of the juvenile, past offense, the child’s age, and any extenuating factors. The court or local probation department may impose a variety of penalties such as:
- fines
- electronic monitoring
- counseling or education programs
- adjudicated probation
- community service
While the consequences for juvenile offenders can be significant, it is important to remember that these young people can still be rehabilitated. In many cases, providing appropriate support and counseling can help juveniles get on the right track and avoid further criminal activity.
What are the Possible Defenses for Juvenile Crimes in Sugar Land?
In defending a minor detained for a criminal offense in juvenile court, the accused has many constitutional rights and protections. When your child is facing the consequences and punishments of a criminal offense, it is important to reach out to a qualified Sugar Land juvenile crimes attorney as soon as possible. Defending a child’s rights throughout the legal process is important to protect that child’s future.
One of the most common defenses of individuals charged with juvenile crimes includes mental health issues and/or school placement needs. If the accused is a special needs student, a case may be built on the failure of schools and social services to care for the client’s needs.
Neglect and abuse can be another legal defense strategy. If the child individual has suffered abuse and neglect over the years, a defense can be developed according to the facts and with the help of professional allies, including special education, mitigation specialists, mental health, and social worker professionals.
Call Our Experienced Sugar Land Juvenile Crimes Attorney Now!
It is extremely hard for a parent to handle seeing their child detained for a crime. The consequences of a criminal conviction can now follow a child into adulthood. This can make it substantially difficult for them to get into college, the military, or find a job. For these reasons, one should aggressively fight any juvenile charges with the help of our seasoned Sugar Land juvenile crimes attorneys at the Law Office of Annie Scott.
Our criminal defense law firm will guide you and your family through the complex juvenile legal system. We have an in-depth understanding of juvenile defense procedures and extensive experience in defending the allegations before the juvenile court. Our goal is to protect your child’s rights, provide the best defense, and mitigate any penalties they may be facing. If your child is in trouble and is facing juvenile charges, call us now and schedule an initial free consultation with our law firm.
