Juvenile Lawyer Fort Worth

juvenile lawyer defense

Juvenile Lawyers – What do they Do?

A juvenile lawyer helps young people charged with offenses that can land them in trouble with the juvenile justice system. In Texas a person between the ages of 10 through and including 16 are considered juveniles in Texas.

Juvenile Lawyer Practice Areas

Almost any case can be charged as a juvenile offense. Common examples include:

  • Theft
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Possession of Drugs (Controlled Substances)
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Assault
  • Burglary of a Habitation
  •  Gang Violence
  • Murder
  • Arson
  • Robbery
  • Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Avoiding a Criminal Record

While it is important to stay of out jail, it is almost as important to avoid a permanent blemish on your record. A juvenile lawyer like Lisa Herrick at Varghese Summersett PLLC can help you avoid a final adjudication that might result in a permanent mark on your criminal history.

Being Summoned to Juvenile Court

If you are a parent, you might be called to juvenile court. The judge will be interested in your thoughts on whether the child can be released to a safe environment where someone is watching over them. The judge might also want to hear about future plans, or even past behavior that caused the parent concerns about the juvenile.

Juvenile Cases vs. Adult Criminal Cases

Although the offenses may seem similar, the juvenile justice system is entirely different than the adult criminal justice system. A juvenile lawyer’s goal should be getting the person back on track so their life is not set on a path of recurring problems. It is also important to understand that under certain conditions a juvenile can be certified as an adult and subject to significant prison time. Juvenile cases also add pressure on the family and can sometimes be the reason for a divorce or change in custody. If that’s the case, you will want to talk to a Fort Worth family lawyer.

Sealing a Juvenile Record

Under some circumstances, a juvenile record can be sealed. Sometimes this happens automatically – or at least in theory should. Sometimes it only happens after an attorney intervenes. Even in cases where a record should be sealed automatically, an attorney can speed up the process.

If you need a juvenile attorney in Fort Worth, give us a call.

call 8172032220