Galveston criminal law attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock take pride in helping families of children charged with crimes in Galveston County. When exploring the topic of juvenile criminal cases in Galveston, many questions come to mind.
- What types of crimes are minors committing?
- If convicted, what’s the legal consequences minors face?
- How might parents navigate the legal system to assist their children?
Let’s explore these questions and provide parents the information they need about Texas criminal law as it relates to minors.
Understanding Juvenile Justice
What’s a Juvenile Crime?
Generally, juvenile crime refers to illegal activities carried out by individuals under the age of 18.
These offenses can range from petty offenses like shoplifting to more serious crimes like assault or drug trafficking. The severity of the crime and any previous criminal history on part of the accused-party often dictates the potential penalties and legal ramifications should they be convicted.
Texas Juvenile Justice System
The Texas Juvenile Justice System aims to rehabilitate rather than strictly punish young offenders. The primary goal is to steer youths away from a criminal lifestyle by offering programs that address the underlying issues contributing to their behavior.
For more information, see the Texas Juvenile Justice handbook.
Common Juvenile Crimes in Galveston
In Galveston, the most common juvenile crimes include theft, vandalism, assault, drug-related offenses, and underage drinking. These crimes carry varying degrees of severity and, subsequently, different levels of punishment under Texas law.
Legal Consequences for Juvenile Crimes
The consequences for a minor convicted of a crime in Texas depend on factors such as the nature of the crime, the child’s age, and previous criminal history. Penalties can range from community service and probation to placement in a juvenile detention center.
Parents of Charged Minors
Parents play an important part in juvenile justice process. They’re often involved in court proceedings and can significantly impact their child’s rehabilitation process. If you’re a parent, you need to understand your rights, obligations, and how the legal process may impact your family.
If you have any questions, our law firm provides extensive support for our clients and their families in the form of helpful advice and more. We can be reached at 409-765-5614.
How Texas Law Views Juvenile Offenders
Under Texas law, criminal cases involving minors are viewed differently than can by adult offenders. The law recognizes that children make mistakes and need guidance rather than harsh punishment.
At the end of the day, it’s in the interest of the state and society as a whole to rehabilitate these youngsters. However, for severe crimes, juveniles can be certified as adults, subjecting them to the adult criminal justice system.
Navigating the Legal System
What Parents Should Do
If your child arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Galveston, seek legal counsel immediately. Our legal team, namely Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock specialize in Texas juvenile law. We’ll provide invaluable guidance throughout the process, protect your child’s rights, and negotiate for a fair outcome to the situation. In most instances, we can get their cases dismissed via a deferred adjudication program. Again, if you have any questions, contact our law firm.
Seeking Legal Remedies for a Minor?
Call Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock Today
If you’re seeking legal representation for a minor that’s charged with a crime in Galveston County, we’re here to help. We understand that adolescent energy is prone poor decision-making and the same is true of juvenile courts, the state, and judges that preside over these cases.
Our law firm’s first goal is to get your son or daughter’s case dismissed, and if that’s not possible in pre-trial, we’ll work with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office to forge a resolution that everyone can be happy about.
To get started, contact our law office today at 409-765-5614.
Tad Nelson is Board Certified® by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law.
