If you are visiting this page, it likely means that someone you care about is facing a juvenile crime charge in Texas. Maybe it’s your child or a young family member, and now you are trying to make sense of what comes next. We understand how confusing and stressful this moment can be. When a child is pulled into the legal system, the entire family feels the weight of the situation. You may be filled with questions and uncertainty. You are not alone, and you do not have to go through this by yourself. We are here to help you make sense of the process and work toward the best outcome possible. We know this is a difficult time, and we want you to feel informed, prepared, and supported.
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Learn MoreUnderstanding the Juvenile System in Texas
Texas has a separate system for handling crimes committed by children and teenagers. If the person charged is under 17 years old, their case usually goes through the juvenile justice system instead of the adult court system. The goal in juvenile court is not just to punish but also to help the young person get back on the right path. Even though the rules are different from adult court, these cases are still serious. A lot can be at stake, including your child’s future and reputation. The process is made to focus more on rehabilitation than punishment, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to go through. It still involves judges, court dates, and legal arguments. Having someone who understands how this system works is very important.
How the Process Starts
The juvenile justice process usually begins when a child is taken into custody by law enforcement. This can happen at school, in the neighborhood, or anywhere else. After being taken into custody, the child is brought to a juvenile detention center. This part is very emotional for families. Once the child arrives at the center, an intake officer will decide whether to release them to a parent or guardian or keep them in detention. A hearing must be held quickly, often within one or two business days, to make that decision. If the child is held, a judge will look at things like the seriousness of the charge, the child’s history, and whether it is safe for the child to go home.
Detention Hearing
The detention hearing is the first step in court. This is not about guilt or innocence. It is only about deciding whether the child should stay in detention while the case moves forward. At this hearing, the judge listens to arguments from both sides. Your attorney can speak on your child’s behalf and present information about the family, school behavior, and other important factors. If the judge decides to release the child, they may set conditions such as staying in school, obeying rules at home, or checking in with a probation officer. If the child is not released, the next hearings will continue while the child remains in the facility.
The Petition and Pretrial Stage
If prosecutors decide to move forward with the case, they file something called a petition. This is similar to what an adult might face in an indictment. The petition lays out the details of the alleged crime and starts the official legal process. After the petition is filed, the pretrial phase begins. This is where both sides gather information, interview witnesses, and get ready for court. Your child’s attorney can look at the evidence and ask the court to dismiss the case or change the charges if something is wrong. There may also be motions filed to protect your child’s rights or challenge the way the case was handled. Sometimes, there are chances to settle the case early through a plea deal or a diversion program, especially if it is a first offense or a less serious charge.
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From the first phone call late on a Friday afternoon to the successful out come of our legal issue, our family has had nothing but praises for the entire staff at McCarty-Larson. Always available, honest and upfront about the whole process. Mr. McCarty is an experienced and knowledgeable attorney with whom we always felt secure. And he genuinely cared about our family member. Robin and Natalie are a great team. Hayley was always very helpful too. Thank you to the entire staff and firm.
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Best in Ellis County! Daniel Morton, Amanda Nail, and the team at McCarty-Larson are incredibly responsive, ensuring quick and efficient handling of my case. Their staff was not only professional but also empathetic, guiding me through a challenging time. Despite the difficulties throughout my case, they prioritized my time, my needs, and got me a fair agreement that made everyone happy. Highly recommend for anyone navigating family legal matters.
- Jillian Bailey
Adjudication Hearing
The adjudication hearing is what most people think of as the trial. This is where the judge hears evidence and decides whether the child broke the law. There is no jury in most juvenile cases. A judge will listen to the facts, hear from witnesses, and review all the evidence. Your child has the right to a defense attorney, to remain silent, and to present their side of the story. The judge must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt, just like in adult court. If the judge finds that the child did not commit the crime, the case ends there. If the judge decides that the child did commit the act, then the case moves into the next phase.
Disposition Hearing
If the judge finds that the child is guilty, the court moves to the disposition hearing. This is where the court decides what the outcome should be. In the adult system, this would be called sentencing. But in the juvenile system, the goal is usually to help the child avoid future trouble. The court may order probation, counseling, community service, or placement in a treatment program. In more serious cases, the child could be sent to a secure juvenile facility. This decision depends on many things, including the child’s past behavior, the nature of the offense, school performance, family situation, and any mental health concerns. Your attorney can argue for the least harmful and most helpful outcome.
After the Trial Ends
Even after the case ends, there may be more steps. If your child is placed on probation, there will be regular check-ins with a probation officer. The court may expect them to attend school, avoid certain people, and follow strict rules. Failing to follow those rules can lead to more court appearances or stricter consequences. If your child was ordered to complete a program, it is important that they follow through. The court is watching to see how they respond and whether they are making progress. In some cases, it may be possible to have the records sealed later on so that this part of their past does not follow them forever. Your attorney can help guide you through those options when the time is right.
Why Legal Help Matters
Juvenile crime cases may be different from adult cases, but that does not make them less important. In fact, because children are still growing and changing, how their case is handled can affect their entire life. A decision made today can shape whether your child finishes school, finds a job, or avoids more trouble later on. The system is supposed to help young people, but it can be hard to navigate and sometimes feels unfair or rushed. A strong legal advocate can stand up for your child, explain things clearly, and fight for the best result. Whether it is pushing for the case to be dismissed, seeking alternatives to detention, or working to seal a record in the future, having someone in your corner makes a difference.
What You Can Do Now
If your child has been charged with a crime in Texas, your first step should be to learn your rights and make a plan. Talk to someone who knows the court system and can help you understand your choices. Do not wait to take action. Juvenile cases move quickly, and early decisions can shape the outcome. You do not have to handle this alone. We understand that this is a scary and uncertain time for your family. You need clear answers and strong support. We are ready to listen to your concerns and help guide you forward.
At McCarty Larson, PLLC, we work with families facing these tough situations. We believe every child deserves a second chance and that no family should face the court system without the help they need. If your loved one is involved in a juvenile crime trial, reach out to us today. We are here to help you protect your child’s future.