Conroe Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys Defending Minors Charged With Criminal Offenses in Montgomery County

Minors who are accused of theft or other offenses may face a variety of penalties that could cause a great deal of difficulty for them and their families. While many of these cases may involve accusations of shoplifting or other seemingly minor offenses, they should still be taken seriously. While minors who are involved in the juvenile justice system may be treated less harshly than they would if they were charged in criminal courts, they may still face multiple types of penalties, and they could even have a record that could follow them into adulthood. To ensure that these cases are handled correctly, families can work with a criminal defense attorney who has experience with matters involving juvenile crime.

Pullan & Young provides representation in juvenile justice cases involving theft, vandalism, trespassing, or other property crimes, as well as more serious offenses that could result in a minor being charged as an adult. Our lawyers are former prosecutors, and we know how these cases are handled by officials who are seeking to address delinquent activity and ensure that minors can avoid future involvement with the criminal justice system. We will work to reduce the potential punishments that a child may face or even have charges dismissed altogether.

Potential Outcomes of Juvenile Crime Cases

When adults are charged with crimes, the justice system is usually focused on determining whether there is evidence that the person is guilty, and if so, imposing appropriate punishments. The juvenile justice system, on the other hand, approaches cases with the goal of rehabilitation, utilizing resources to help children avoid criminal activity in the future and ensuring that they can live as productive members of society.

Because children's brains are still developing, and they may fail to consider the consequences of their actions, it would not be fair to impose harsh sentences and penalties that could affect their future opportunities. Instead, they may face appropriate penalties that are meant to dissuade them from committing other crimes and help address the harm they may have caused to others. Most of the time, records related to juvenile crimes will be kept separate from adult criminal records, ensuring that a child's ability to find employment or pursue education as an adult will not be affected.

The juvenile justice system will usually handle situations where children between the ages of 10 and 16 are accused of violating the law. Minors who are at least 17 years old will be treated as adults, and their cases will be handled by criminal courts. Generally, a juvenile case will determine whether the child should be placed under the supervision of the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice. Offenses in these cases are known as "conduct indicating a need for supervision," or CINS.

Outcomes of a juvenile crime case may include:

• Informal disposition - A police officer who has taken a child into custody may choose to release the child to their parents or refer the case to another agency, such as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). This option may be used if a child is accused of an offense that may be classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and once a case is closed, no further legal action will be necessary.
• First offender programs - A child who has not previously been adjudicated as having engaged in CINS may be referred to a program that will allow their case to be closed after completing certain requirements, such as community service or counseling.
• Deferred prosecution - If a case is referred to juvenile court, a child may be placed on probation for up to six months without a trial being held. During probation, the child may be required to meet certain conditions, such as restoring damaged property or participating in rehabilitative programs. If they complete the period of probation, the case may be closed without an adjudication of CINS.
• Probation - If an adjudication hearing is held, and a judge determined that a child engaged in CINS, the child may be sentenced to a period of probation that may last until they reach the age of 18. During probation, a child may be required to stay in the home of a parent or other relative, a foster home, or another residential facility. They will usually be required to perform community service and participate in other programs.
• Commitment to TJJD - For serious offenses, which are typically offenses that would be classified as felonies if committed by adults, a child may be committed to the Texas Department of Juvenile Justice, and they may be required to stay in a juvenile detention facility until they reach the age of 19.
• Determinate sentencing - If a child allegedly committed an offense that would require them to serve time in detention after they reach the age of 19, they may continue to be held in juvenile detention after reaching that age, or they may be transferred to an adult prison.
• Certification as an adult - In the most serious cases, a juvenile court will allow a case to be transferred to the criminal courts, and a child may be tried as an adult. This option is only available for children who are above the age of 14.

Contact Our Conroe, TX Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers

At Pullan & Young, we provide legal representation for children who are involved in criminal cases. We can help families determine the best options in these situations, and we can advocate for solutions that will allow a child to move forward with their life and avoid penalties that could have long-term or permanent effects on their life. To learn how we can assist with matters related to juvenile justice, contact us at 936-647-1540 and set up a free consultation today.