fbpx

Brownsville Juvenile Defense Attorney

Peer pressure, the excitement of trying, or outright defiance. Any one of these can lead an otherwise well-behaved child to do things they might not otherwise do and, consequently, they could face a criminal charge, a parent’s nightmare.

If your child faces a juvenile criminal offense charge in BrownsvilleBrownsville, contact Kenny Perez Law immediately for assistance. We understand how the juvenile courts work, and our goal is always to mitigate the punishment and detention your child could face for a rash act.

Criminal Cases Against Juveniles

 criminal cases against juveniles

According to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) about 50,000 juveniles enter the system every year.

They may face charges of:

  • Underage drinking
  • DUI underage
  • Shoplifting and other forms of theft
  • Drug crimes
  • Weapons offenses
  • Vandalism
  • Destruction of property
  • Violent crimes

If your child is a first-time offender, we work hard to find productive alternatives to detention or other punishment for these crimes. Thanks to our knowledge of the various diversion programs offered in Texas, we understand how important it is to find a solution that works best for your family.

Common punishment for juvenile crimes

Often, young people and their families believe that the state seals records of crimes committed as juveniles. However, this is not always the case. Remember, a criminal charge will remain on your record for any determinate sentence the court hands out. Texas does not offer juveniles a fresh start, and clearing a record involves following the expungement process explained in Texas Government Code §411.071.

Some of the potential punishments a juvenile could face include:

  • Probation – supervision is often a strong enough deterrent for many youthful offenders. In cases of minor crimes, it may be possible to work closely with prosecutors to ensure your child is facing only probation. Remember a probation record may still appear on their criminal records for years. However, probation is a rehabilitation tool for youthful offenders
  • Restitution – when a juvenile has committed a property crime, such as destruction of property or vandalism, they may be required to pay restitution. This may also occur with other charges.
  • Community service – juveniles convicted of minor crimes may need to perform community service. The child may need to participate in events at the Pegasus School in Lockhart, Texas.

Some potential diversionary programs may accept a first-time offender facing lesser charges.

Age of children facing charges

The Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) states that children as young as 10 and as old as 17 could face charges that could land them in the adult criminal justice system. When the police arrest a juvenile for a lesser offense, authorities often release them to their parents but they must later appear in juvenile court. Those with more serious charges could face up to 10 days in a juvenile detention facility while awaiting a hearing.

Parents should know when a child faces a misdemeanor or a felony charge, they may face obstacles as an adult, including:

  • Difficulty obtaining professional licenses
  • Inability to secure student loans
  • Inability to obtain a driver’s license

Any parent of a child facing a juvenile charge should immediately contact the Brownsville offices of Kenny Perez Law. We will review all the information about the charges, advise you of the potential outcomes, and begin negotiations with prosecutors to do everything possible to ensure a bad decision does not irreparably harm your child’s future.

Texas has no interest in keeping your child incarcerated. The goal is to rehabilitate them and make them an active part of our society. We fight to give your child every opportunity to keep their criminal record clean.

Time is of the essence with Brownsville juvenile criminal charges

Once law enforcement apprehends your child, they will generally face a hearing in 10 days. The sooner you contact Kenny Perez Law, the sooner we can begin working with the prosecutor handling their case. We may secure invaluable information that immediately shows your child did not participate in the crime.

Contact Kenny Perez Law Today

Have an experienced criminal defense attorney protect your child and do what is best for your family. We understand the risks of having a juvenile crime follow your child into their adult life. Our goal will be to do everything in our power to mitigate the risks.

If you live in the Brownsville area and your teen faces a criminal charge, we are here to help. Call us for a free consultation and we can discuss the charges they face and alternatives to incarceration or other harsh punishments.

Kenny Perez Law has experience handling a wide range of criminal charges across Texas, and we are here to help. We understand you are feeling stressed, and your child is frightened. We can help you understand the charges they face and the potential penalties associated with the crime.

We want to create a plan to protect your child today and in the future. Remember, these charges are not simply going to go away on their own. Hiring an experienced Brownsville juvenile criminal defense attorney at Kenny Perez Law can protect your child from the harshest possible penalties for youthful offenses. Do not allow these charges to define your child’s future. Contact Kenny Perez Law today at (956) 544-9292.

Kenny Perez Law

1900 N Exp 77. Suite A,
Brownsville, Texas 78521
(956) 544-9292

Definitely a law firm that you can trust! Professional, reasonable, and knowledgeable. The legal team has great customer service skills. They were able to help and guide us every step of the way after our accident.” – Cynthia Barrera
Rating: 5/5
03/14/2021
Read more reviews on Google!

Scroll to Top