Juvenile Law

Being charged with a juvenile offense is never something that should be taken lightly, and the Law Office of Earl Dobson in Denton is here to help Texas youth and their families get through these difficult times with the best possible outcome and future for the minor charged with crime or delinquency.

Juvenile offenses are taken very seriously in the state of Texas, and while minors have some advantages in juvenile court as opposed to criminal court, the consequences of a conviction can still be quite severe. Punishments for minors can range from probation and community service to life in prison without parole. Even without a harsh sentence, a conviction is in many ways more harmful to a youth than an adult, impacting their life at a critical juncture when lifetime decisions regarding education, employment, military service can all be negatively affected. Any juvenile arrest should be taken very seriously and referred to an experienced Texas criminal defense attorney.

Juvenile Court Versus Criminal Court

Once arrested, many factors go into determining whether your child will be tried in juvenile court or criminal court. While the purpose of criminal court is arguably to punish offenders, the stated goal of juvenile court is to protect and rehabilitate the child. Juvenile court offers many diversion options as alternatives to detention or incarceration, including supervisory caution, deferred disposition, teen court, and community service. Also, it is easier to have a juvenile record expunged.

While this makes juvenile court seem preferable to criminal court, and in most cases it is, it is important to consider that it is easier to convict a minor in juvenile court, and a minor in juvenile court has less rights than one who is criminally-accused under the Constitution. Regardless, in situations where the court has the discretion and authority to choose, more and more juvenile cases these days are being sent to criminal court.

Experienced Texas Criminal Law Attorney

Texas law takes juvenile offenses very seriously, with the potential for severe punishments and serious life-long consequences facing a convicted juvenile offender. Whether charged with a "juvenile" offense such as shoplifting, malicious mischief, or possession of alcohol, or a more serious "adult" crime like sexual assault or robbery, it is imperative that you obtain high-quality, experienced legal representation. If your child is charged with criminal conduct, delinquent conduct or conduct in need of supervision in Denton County, contact the Law Office of Earl Dobson for a free consultation to discuss your child's best options for dealing with this situation.