Galveston Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Advocating for Juveniles Facing Criminal Charges in Texas

Has your son or daughter been picked up by law enforcement for inappropriate behavior or on suspicion of a criminal offense? Understanding where you stand and how the legal system works for juveniles is vital, as is the need for a competent Galveston juvenile defense lawyer.

At Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC, we understand the frustration, anxiety, and concern about what will happen to your child, how the situation will affect his or her future, and what can be done to help ensure that the best possible outcome can be achieved.

Our Galveston juvenile defense attorneys are well-versed in the mechanics and methods of the Texas juvenile court system. We work diligently to help your child receive fair treatment, get the help he or she needs, and to minimize or avoid punitive measures that could damage his or her future.

Contact our Galveston juvenile defense lawyer at (409) 204-5566 or online for a free case consultation.

Understanding Juvenile Offenses and Consequences in Texas

Under Texas law, juveniles are children ranging in age from 10 to 16. Children under the age of 10 are not held responsible for criminal offenses. Teenagers aged 17 and above are generally prosecuted as adults. Juvenile offenses can include behavior that is not appropriate for the child’s age, such as underage drinking, as well as criminal offenses, such as drug possession.

Common juvenile crimes include:

• Alcohol offenses, such as using a fake ID to buy alcohol, being found intoxicated in a public place, or being found in possession of alcohol
• Underage DWI
• Truancy
• Drug crimes, such as possession, sales, or distribution of marijuana and other street drugs or falsely-obtained prescription medicines
• Shoplifting and other theft crimes
• Sexting
• Other sex crimes, such as sexual assault or stalking
• Criminal traffic offenses
• Property crimes, such as vandalism, trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Simple assault

If your child is picked up by police on suspicion of a crime, he or she will be sent to a processing center and you will be notified. A hearing will be held within 48 hours to determine if he or she should be further detained or released into your care. If detained, a hearing will be conducted every 10 days to determine if the child should continue to be detained or released.

To be released, specific conditions will have to be met, similar to probation for an adult. These conditions will generally apply to both you as parents and your child. If charges are filed, a judge will determine what the consequences will be in regards to rehabilitation and/or sentencing. In some cases, the juvenile may be sent on to be prosecuted as an adult in the adult criminal justice system.

Contact Our Galveston Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Today

To give your child the best possible chance at a positive outcome, let us help you navigate the juvenile justice system and advocate on behalf of your child throughout all court hearings and process steps. Our legal team has the skills, ability, and dedication needed to make a difference in their case.

Let our attorney at Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC fight on your child's behalf. Contact us at (409) 204-5566 today.