Denton County Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Dedicated Legal Representation to Safeguard Your Child’s Future
Adults aren’t the only people in Texas who can face criminal charges. Any allegation of delinquent conduct can result in legal repercussions for individuals under the age of 18. In some instances, it’s even possible for juvenile cases to be transferred into adult court — meaning children could face prison time and other adult penalties. Even when young people aren’t charged as adults, the effects of criminal charges can be detrimental. This is why it’s so important to speak with a Denton County juvenile crimes lawyer. Your child’s future could depend on it.
At Edgett Law Firm, we represent minors who are facing the most difficult challenges in life. While the prosecution will often assure parents that their child’s case won’t have lasting effects, the outcome of juvenile court system involvement has the potential to last a lifetime. This is particularly true when children and teens are charged with serious crimes — even those that are administered in juvenile court. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this trying time alone. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation.
How Does the Juvenile Court System Work in Texas?
While they can be just as serious as adult crimes, juvenile offenses are often treated very differently in the justice system. Rather than focusing on punitive acts, the juvenile court is supposed to care more about treatment and rehabilitation. However, the repercussions of criminal charges can still be disruptive. Consequences can include incarceration in juvenile detention facilities. Unlike adult charges, no grand jury is convened to charge youngsters.
Instead, the State must file a petition listing the allegations against the charged individual. From the moment your child is charged, you should work with a juvenile defense attorney in Denton County. While the system’s primary focus should be helping our children get on the right track, it’s too often the case that our youth are treated in a punitive manner. This is heartbreaking since the system is meant to go easier on children — even avoiding the use of terms like “guilty.”
While juvenile crime is treated differently than adult issues in criminal court, having a skilled legal professional on your side is still critical. Your child deserves the opportunity to have a normal life — and our law firm will strive to ensure they get one.
Juvenile Drug Charges and Drug Crimes in Denton County
Drug charges are one of the most common reasons a minor is brought into the juvenile justice system. While possession of certain substances may seem like a minor offense, a conviction can still have lasting consequences, impacting your child’s ability to attend college, secure scholarships, and find employment in the future. The Texas Penal Code outlines various offenses related to drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing, and even seemingly small amounts can lead to serious legal trouble. If your child is facing juvenile drug charges in Denton County, it’s vital to have an experienced juvenile drug charges attorney on your side.
The legal process for juvenile drug charges is different from that of adults, often focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, a “true” finding of guilt can still lead to a range of penalties, including mandatory drug counseling, community service, or placement in a juvenile detention facility. At Edgett Law Firm, our Denton juvenile crime attorney team understands the unique challenges of these cases. We work to protect your child’s rights and explore every option, from challenging the legality of a search to negotiating with prosecutors for an outcome that prioritizes your child’s future over a conviction. We are committed to providing a strong defense to ensure a positive resolution for your family.
When Can Juveniles Be Charged as Adults in Texas?
When a child or teenager is detained, they’ll typically find themselves in the juvenile court system. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If a police investigation or the prosecution decides adult charges are appropriate, your child could face life-altering consequences — including imprisonment in adult facilities. Here’s what you need to know about this potential outcome:
Certification at the Age of 15
Once a child turns 15 years old, the state can seek to certify them as an adult for any felony crimes. Fortunately, crimes such as petty theft, DWI, reckless driving, and other misdemeanor charges would not qualify. Once certified, a teenager could face life imprisonment if such punishment is relevant to their charges.
Certification Exceptions
In most cases, a person must be 15 to be charged as an adult. This means anyone younger could typically only face repercussions ranging from community service to placement in a juvenile facility. However, there are certain exceptions that allow the state to certify children as adults at the age of 14. These include:
Capital Offenses
Capital offenses are one of the most common reasons minors are charged as adults in Texas. If your child is facing such charges, you should contact a juvenile crime lawyer in Denton County immediately.
Aggravated Controlled-Substance Felony
Most crimes involving controlled substances will not result in adult charges for a juvenile crime at the age of 14. However, a felony involving aggravated factors that fall into this category may qualify.
First-Degree Felony
Any first-degree felony could result in adult charges for a 14-year-old in Texas. This could include arson, aggravated robbery, sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping, and other charges.
Should Your Child Enter a Plea Deal for a Juvenile Crime?
When adults decide to accept punishment by entering a plea deal, it’s typically to avoid potentially harsher penalties. This is often true for juvenile crime as well — with prosecutors telling parents that the best way to protect their child is to accept a plea. However, it’s not a “guilty” plea that is entered into the courts. Instead, any minors accused of a crime can enter a “true” plea. While this is the right decision in some cases, it’s important not to make this decision hastily.
Put simply, prosecuting attorneys often try their best to secure maximum penalties. They’ll tell parents and their children that the consequences are harsh — but that there will be no lasting effects if they get on the “straight and narrow.” Unfortunately, this isn’t always true. A punishment for a juvenile crime can often be just as disruptive as adult charges — sometimes even hindering college aspirations and career opportunities. This is true even when guilt doesn’t have to be included on employment applications.
To seek a positive outcome, you need a Denton County juvenile crime lawyer who will review your child’s case and help you understand all their options. Don’t let the state dictate what comes next. Find an advocate who will fight for your family.
Contact a Denton County Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Today
Even if the potential outcome of a criminal charge is less serious than adult charges, your child still deserves a strong defense. After all, it’s preferable to avoid criminal punishment whenever possible — and if this is achieved, you can handle issues at home, where they belong. However, this won’t always be a simple endeavor — particularly when young people are charged with a capital felony or other serious allegations. Fortunately, you don’t have to face such difficulties alone.
At Edgett Law Firm, you’ll work with a committed legal team that understands the difficulty of your circumstances. Whether your child is charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes — or even if they’re charged as an adult — it may be possible to avoid serious consequences. We have locations across North Texas, but our Denton office ensures you have local representation who will fight to protect your child’s future.
Contact us at (972) 810-3410 to schedule your free consultation today. When you work with our law firm, we won’t stop fighting for you and your child.