Texas Family Code defines a child as a person aged 10 to 17. In the Texas criminal justice system, children under age 10 cannot be prosecuted for a crime but they could be provided with services if the state feels that’s needed to help them stay out of the juvenile justice system.  17-yr-olds facing charges for a crime committed beforethey turned 17 – a crime that would be defined as delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision – are also charged in juvenile court. But after a child turns 17, they are now involved with the adult justice system.  Texas is one o ..read more

As a parent, finding out your child has potentially committed a crime can feel overwhelming. And although you may know that your next best step is to find an attorney, how do you choose when there are so many options available? First, take a deep breath—there are plenty of highly qualified juvenile attorneys out there ready to support you and your child. Here are some tips to help you find the right match. Start by Researching Attorneys in Your Area A quick online search of juvenile attorneys in your area should bring up some options. Start compiling a list of names as well as their conta ..read more

Some juvenile crimes start as innocent mistakes such as taking a quick ride around the block in mom or dad’s car. Unfortunately, joyriding is a crime just like vehicle theft. Yet, there are specific differences between the two. What Is Joyriding? Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, also known as joyriding, happens when your child operates a vehicle without consent. For example, your teen may decide to sneak out at night and take your vehicle for a quick trip with friends without your consent. Being unaware of your teen’s trip, you may suspect theft and call the police. Once your tee ..read more

In juvenile law, there are a few crimes that are more common than others, such as possession of drug paraphernalia, petty theft and vandalism. The latter is included in criminal mischief, a specific group of offenses with its own consequences. If your child is facing a criminal mischief charge, it’s important to understand what that actually means. What Is the Definition of Criminal Mischief? According to Texas law, a person commits criminal mischief if, without consent of the owner of the property, they: Intentionally damage or destroy the property Intentionally tamper with the pro ..read more

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