Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Defense for Juvenile Offenses in Houston, TX
Has your child been arrested? Is your son or daughter currently under investigation for a criminal offense of some kind? One of the most important steps you can take if your child is facing allegations of a juvenile crime is to consult with an attorney experienced in handling these cases. For a child accused of criminal behavior, his or her entire future may be on the line. This applies for relatively minor offenses such as graffiti or
shoplifting all the way to serious
gang-related offenses or violent crimes that may result in a child being tried as an adult. In any of these situations, an experienced Houston juvenile defense lawyer may be able to assist a minor in avoiding a conviction and the serious repercussions that follow.
About Juvenile Law
A minor can be accused of virtually any criminal offense that an adult may commit. However, there are also situations where a child may face charges for certain actions that are only considered crimes due to the minor's age, such as underage drinking, curfew violations or truancy. The juvenile court system operates differently for minors. They are not entitled to bail or a trial by jury. The juvenile justice system is supposed to be geared toward rehabilitation, but there are situations where serious penalties may be imposed or where a minor may even be tried as an adult, subject to the same penalties that an adult may face in a similar situation.
A competent Houston juvenile crime attorney can get involved early in the process and can work to negotiate with the juvenile judge and protect your child's rights in order to avoid serious penalties or trial as an adult. After all, a conviction for a juvenile crime may haunt a child for life, leading to difficulty with employment opportunities and limited educational opportunities.
Make sure your child's rights are fully protected in the face of Houston juvenile crime charges. Contact a Houston criminal defense lawyer at the Martinez Law Firm today. |