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Is Your Texas Teen Facing Juvenile Delinquency for the First Time?

By December 17, 2020February 9th, 2024Juvenile Crimes

Is Your Texas Teen Facing Juvenile Delinquency for the First Time?The good news is that according to the United States Department of Justice, crime as a whole is on the decline. The bad news? Juvenile crime is not.

The Justice Department reported that cases of juvenile homicides increased by 35 percent in just four years.

While there are many factors that have been found to contribute to this statistic, for parents struggling with their children who have been labeled as juvenile delinquents, it’s a statistic that really hits home no matter the reason behind it.

What is Juvenile Delinquency in Texas?

Juvenile delinquency refers to crimes committed by those that are considered minors under the law. It encompasses relatively inconsequential crimes such as underage drinking to property crimes such as theft to more serious violent crimes such as murder.

Common Juvenile Crimes

Many juveniles are first-time offenders and that is taken to account in the juvenile justice system. Some of the most common crimes perpetrated by juveniles include:

  • Shoplifting or other petty theft crimes
  • Graffiti or vandalism charges
  • Assault, such as fighting
  • Joyriding
  • Underage drinking

 

Who Qualifies as a Juvenile

Under Texas law, anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 has their case heard in the juvenile court system. This system has separate courts, detention facilities, and judges from the adult justice system.

The Texas Juvenile System

In Texas, when someone 17 or under is arrested, then they enter the juvenile justice system instead of going to jail. Learn more about the path a juvenile offender generally follows through the system below.

Detention Hearing

The very first hearing in the juvenile court process is called the detention hearing. It is required to happen within one business day of the detention of the juvenile. The judge at this hearing determines whether or not it is safe to release the juvenile to their parent or guardian or if they should remain in custody.

First Offender Program Referral

Juveniles who have been released to their parents may have their case referred to a specific agency under the first offender program. Each program is different, but many utilize rehabilitation, education, restitution, and community services to help juveniles. When this is complete, the court may drop the case entirely.

Transfer Hearing

The allegations against the juvenile inform whether or not the case will be transferred to the adult justice system. Sometimes, serious crimes perpetrated by juveniles 14 and older are transferred, but a juvenile cannot be transferred if they are being charged with a misdemeanor or if they are under age 14.

Adjudication Hearing

Everyone in this country has a right to a fair trial, including juveniles. At the adjudication hearing, juveniles who plead innocent to the crimes they charged with are tried for their crimes.

Disposition Hearing

If the juvenile being charged pleads guilty, then a disposition hearing takes place to determine whether the court finds the allegation true. If they do, then the juvenile is sentenced.

Appeal

Just as in the adult system, the juvenile justice system allows for an appeals process. The court’s decision can be appealed to a higher court.

Three Quick Tips for Texas Parents

 

Is Your Texas Teen Facing Juvenile Delinquency for the First Time?If you find your child being charged with a crime in the juvenile justice system, what can you do? The best thing you can do is to be involved in the process after the arrest.

  • This may mean securing an experienced attorney to represent your child and to help your child complete the things they must for the court.
  • Stay in communication with the probation officer, courts, and any other public officials that may be involved in your case.
  • Most importantly, simply be there for your child – after all, everyone makes mistakes. This ordeal too shall pass, as they say.

About the Author:

After getting his Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center, Jeff Hampton began practicing criminal law in Texas in 2005. Before becoming a defense attorney, he worked as a prosecutor for the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office – experience he uses to anticipate and cast doubt on the arguments that will be used against his clients. Over the course of his career, he has helped countless Texans protect their rights and get the best possible outcome in their criminal cases. He has been named one of the 3 Best DUI Lawyers in Fort Worth, recognized by ExpertiseNational Trial LawyersAvvo, and others, and he is Lead Counsel rated.