Bryan Juvenile Defense Lawyers

A criminal charge is serious business for anyone, no matter what their age. However, when it happens to a minor, the consequences could last a lifetime. If someone is at least 10 years old, while still younger than 17 years old, they can be tried in juvenile court. 

Young people still have constitutional rights, and one of those is the right to an attorney. A good juvenile defense lawyer from our Bryan office might be able to make a big difference. 

James, Reynolds, Spiegelhauer & Ask serves clients in Bryan, College Station, and throughout Brazos County. Call (979) 227-3305 today.

How the Juvenile Crime Process Works in Texas

When a minor is charged with a criminal offense, a detention hearing must be held within two business days. There must be a reasonable effort made to notify the parent(s) or legal guardian. The purpose of the detention hearing is not to ascertain guilt or innocence. It is to decide whether the child can be released back into the custody of their parent(s)/guardian, or if the child needs to be held until their hearing. 

In this respect, a detention hearing bears some similarity to a bail hearing in the adult criminal justice system. Like bail decisions, key factors in a detention hearing will be whether or not the minor can be safely released, and whether their appearance at the official hearing can be reasonably assured. However, unlike bail, there is no monetary requirement made of the parent(s) guardian to get the child released. 

A child has the right to legal counsel in this process. In that regard, the sooner our office can be contacted, the better. While final decisions on the allegation itself are not made in a detention hearing, a good juvenile crime attorney from our Bryan office may prove advantageous in securing the child’s release. 

The prosecutors will then bring a case before a grand jury. This is part of the process that can work to the advantage of a juvenile defendant. If the prosecutor fails to persuade a grand jury of the child’s guilt, then the case will not move forward. This is different than in the adult system, where grand jury verdicts are often relied on, but are not binding. For your child, it’s an opportunity to end the case before it even gets to trial. 

It is possible that the District Attorney’s office may seek to have the child tried as an adult. In these cases, the child must be at least 14 years old. It is a step that is typically reserved for extreme cases, including murder charges, and high-level drug offenses. 

The trial itself is called an adjudication hearing in Texas. It is here that our lawyers will give your child the zealous legal defense they deserve. We’re well-prepared, we know how to investigate a case, and we know the kinds of questions to ask that may be able to poke holes in the prosecution’s arguments. This includes examining all evidence and questioning the police on how the evidence was obtained. Police officers are required to have probable cause for conducting any kind of search.

Parents and guardians can count on us for hard work and honest assessments throughout the process

Common Types of Juvenile Crimes in Texas

Our lawyers and dedicated legal staff are ready to help you and represent your child in any matter. Some of the most common allegations made against juveniles include these: 

• Property crimes, such as graffiti and vandalism, account for approximately 25% of juvenile offenses in Texas.
• Violent offenses, including assault, battery, and reckless endangerment, are prevalent among juvenile offenders in the state.
• Theft, ranging from petty larceny to more serious theft crimes, is a common type of juvenile offense in Texas.
• Drug-related charges, such as possession or distribution of controlled substances, constitute a significant portion of juvenile crimes in the state.
• Juveniles in Texas also frequently face charges related to driving under the influence (DUI).
• Offenses involving unlawful possession of weapons, including firearms, are among the more serious, but common offenses committed by juveniles in Texas.