Juvenile Defense Attorney – Fort Worth Texas -Tarrant County

Juvenile Criminal Offenses Lawyer, Fort Worth Texas

Title 3 of the Texas Family Code is dedicated to the Juvenile Justice Code. These statutes establish general provisions on how judicial proceedings and appeals are handled for cases in the juvenile justice system.

The juvenile justice process is not something that should be taken lightly, as the possible penalties can potentially have lifelong consequences for minors. Depending on the severity of the alleged crime, it is possible that a child could be tried as an adult and thus be subject to even harsher sentences.

Charged with a Crime? Contact Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC

If your child has been arrested for any kind of criminal offense in Texas, do not assume that state prosecutors are going to “go easy” on him or her. It is in you and your child’s best interests to seek the help of Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys defend minor children in criminal cases in Fort Worth and Arlington in Tarrant County as well as Weatherford in Parker County and Cleburne in Johnson County. Call (817) 502-3600 right now for a completely free initial consultation to have us review your case.

Tarrant County Information Center for Juvenile Criminal Offenses

• What kinds of charges are handled in Juvenile Court?
• When are minors tried as adults?
• Where are the courts in the Fort Worth area that handle these types of cases?

Types of Juvenile Criminal Offenses in Texas

Children can face criminal charges for any violation of state law. Texas Family Code § 51.02 defines a child as being a person who is 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age, or 17 years of age or older and under 18 years of age who is alleged or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a result of acts committed before becoming 17 years of age.

Some of the most common subjects in the Juvenile Justice System include:

• Juvenile Sex Crimes;
• Juvenile Drug Crimes;
• Fake ID Charges;
• Minor in Possession / Consumption of Alcohol; and
• Minor in Possession / Consumption of Tobacco.

When Minors Can Be Tried as Adults

While a minor charged with a crime are typically processed by a Juvenile Court, a prosecutor may petition the court to waive its exclusive jurisdiction and have the child tried as an adult in criminal court. Under Texas Family Code § 54.02(a), a court can waive its exclusive original jurisdiction and transfer a child to the appropriate district court or criminal district court for criminal proceedings if:

• The child is alleged to have committed a felony;

• The child was 14 years of age or older at the time he is alleged to have committed a capital felony, an aggravated controlled substance felony, or a felony of the first degree, and no adjudication hearing has been conducted concerning that offense, or 15 years of age or older at the time the child is alleged to have committed a felony of the second or third degree or a state jail felony, and no adjudication hearing has been conducted concerning that offense; and

• After a full investigation and a hearing, the court determines that there is probable cause to believe that the child before the court committed the offense alleged and that because of the seriousness of the offense alleged or the background of the child the welfare of the community requires criminal proceedings.

Texas Family Code § 54.02(f) further states that in making its determination, the court shall consider, among other matters:

• Whether the alleged offense was against person or property, with greater weight in favor of transfer given to offenses against the person;

• The sophistication and maturity of the child;

• The record and previous history of the child;  and

• The prospects of adequate protection of the public and the likelihood of the rehabilitation of the child by use of procedures, services, and facilities currently available to the juvenile court.

Texas Resources for Minors Charged with a Crime

Juvenile Information | City of Fort Worth, Texas — You can learn more about how Juvenile Arraignment Dockets work in Fort Worth on this section of the city government’s website. In addition to rules that apply to juvenile proceedings, you can also find information about Fort Worth’s Teen Court. The current docket is also available for your review.

Tarrant County Juvenile Services — You can learn more about the services provided to juveniles under the authority of the Tarrant County Juvenile Board on this website. The website features downloadable reports, answers to frequently asked questions, and the vision, mission, and core values of Tarrant County Juvenile Services. You can also find information about the 323rd State District Court that the Tarrant County Juvenile Board designated to serve as the Juvenile Court.

Find a Lawyer for Juvenile Charges in Fort Worth, TX

Has your child been charged with any kind of crime in the greater Tarrant County area? You should not delay in seeking legal representation so you can give yourself the best chance at securing the most favorable outcome.

Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC represents minors who have been arrested for criminal offenses in Tarrant County in Fort Worth or Arlington, Texas. We also represent clients in Cleburne in Johnson County, Weatherford in Parker County, and surrounding areas in North Central Texas.

Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys will provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your child’s juvenile case as soon as you call (817) 502-3600 or submit an online form to take advantage of a free consultation.