Austin TX Juvenile Defense Lawyer

As a parent, few things are more worrisome than the future of your child after that child has been arrested for a crime. It is understandable for you to be feeling scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain, but you do not have to lose hope. Whether your child has been arrested and charged with petty larceny at a mall in West Austin or trespassing and vandalism at an Old Enfield property, it is important that you hire a compassionate Austin, TX, juvenile defense lawyer.

Rountree Law Firm Is Ready to Protect Your Child’s Rights

Criminal defense lawyer Andrew Rountree understands how easy it can be for some kids to make simple mistakes. As a former prosecutor for over a decade, he gained experience in juvenile cases and saw that the real need for his skills lay on the other side of the courtroom. Court can be scary. A juvenile arrest can be scary. Your child’s representation and counsel doesn’t have to be. Call Andrew today and let him protect the future of your child.

Common Juvenile Offenses in Austin

In Texas, juvenile charges can be levied against any individual between the ages of 10 and 17. In a single year, around 3,000 juveniles are arrested for violent crimes in Texas, a number that does not take into account other juvenile crimes such as theft or vandalism. Juvenile charges arise from any actions taken by a child that break a criminal law, cause them to engage in delinquent behavior, or violate a court order or probation.

The most common juvenile offenses that occur in the greater Austin area include the following:

• Shoplifting. This is one of the most common juvenile offenses and involves the taking of goods in an unauthorized manner from a retail store or other establishment. According to one study, one in four youths admit to having committed some kind of shoplifting between the ages of 12 and 16.
• Robbery. This is a violent crime and involves the taking of property from another individual through the use of force or the threat of force. This crime may be treated with severity in the juvenile justice system, and in some cases, may be elevated to an adult charge. For this reason, the early intervention of an attorney is crucial.
• Burglary. This crime involves the unlawful entry of a youth offender into a building with the intent of committing a crime, typically some form of theft. This is a serious offense that results in severe punishments. Across the country, however, burglary perpetrated by juveniles has fallen by 62%.
• Underage drinking and driving. It is illegal in Texas to operate a motorized vehicle when intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. It is also illegal to drink under the age of 21. When both of these laws are violated by a juvenile offender, you need to hire an experienced lawyer who can intervene early and seek diversion programs over criminal penalties.
• Minor in possession. When a minor is found to be in possession of alcohol, this can have a massively negative impact on their future, especially when it comes to academics and athletics. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to protect your child’s future.
• Arson. This crime arises when a juvenile offender, allegedly willfully and maliciously, sets fire to a property. This is a serious felony, and a conviction can lead to severe penalties, including possible detention in a Texas juvenile facility.
• Vandalism. This crime arises from the act of purposefully and knowingly destroying or damaging property belonging to another. These crimes can range from simple graffiti to smashing windows.
• Other violent crimes. Some of the most serious crimes your child can be charged with are those of a violent nature. These crimes typically include robbery, sexual assault, and capital murder. There is always a chance in these cases that your child will be tried as an adult. These crimes demand an experienced attorney who can mount a strong defense in order to protect your child’s rights and future.
• Drug crimes. Crimes such as drug possession, drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and drug sale or distribution are potential juvenile offenses that can have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial to hire an experienced drug crime lawyer who can work to defend your child against the state’s prosecution.

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other crimes your child could be arrested for in Texas. The key to your child’s defense, no matter the charge, however, is early intervention. Hiring an attorney as soon as you can following a child’s arrest can have a substantial impact on the outcome of their case.

How Juvenile Cases Differ From Adult Criminal Cases

When your child is arrested for a juvenile offense in Texas, it is only natural to wonder how their case will be treated when compared to an adult criminal case. While there are certain crimes that can be tried at the adult court level, such as violent felony offenses and serious offenses, your child’s case will likely be tried through the juvenile court system, and it is important to understand how this system differs from the criminal justice system in Texas.

In a juvenile case, the legal proceedings will typically be less formal and much more confidential than adult criminal cases. Juvenile cases are usually held through closed hearings instead of public hearings. Additionally, the sentencing and penalties involved in juvenile court focus more on rehabilitation than punishment. Penalties such as probation, counseling, community service, or being placed in a juvenile detention center in more severe cases are often prioritized.

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Last, records held by a juvenile are usually sealed and remain confidential in order to protect the child’s future and the opportunities they might have access to. In certain cases, a juvenile record may be eligible for expunction or non-disclosure when that child reaches a certain age or completes their sentence.

Hire a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

At Rountree Law Firm, our attorneys know how the juvenile court system works on both sides of a case. We are here to intervene as early as possible, investigate the charges against your child in a thorough manner, and fight for possible diversion programs, reduced penalties, or a complete dismissal of their case. When you hire a juvenile defense lawyer from our firm, know that we can protect your child’s rights. Call 512-262-8080 today to schedule your first consultation.