Many believe that children cannot be issued serious charges, but that is wrong. In Dallas, a juvenile can be issued a felony charge depending on the offense. The Texas law allows the juvenile system to prosecute felony charges against kids who are 10 years old and older. If your child is in trouble, a Dallas facing felony attorney will be in a position to explain the charges and protect your child's rights.
Texas treats its minors differently than its adults. Instead of criminal court, most start out in the juvenile justice system. It focuses on rehabilitation over punishment but still has severe punishments for felony offenses. Sentencing courts can meet for probation, counseling, fines, or being held in a juvenile center. Judges also consider age, prior record, and severity of the crime. Not all, however, stay in juvenile court—some cases go to adult court, where punishments get progressively worse.
Dallas juveniles are most likely to face felonies like grand theft of property, drug offenses (distribution or possession), aggravated assault, or even violent felonies like robbery. Sex crimes or weapon offenses also come into consideration. Even non-violent felonies like burglary can derail a young person's life. Schools, employers, and colleges often ask for criminal history, and a felony conviction creates hurdles. That's why early intervention on the part of the law becomes important.
A felony charge does not imply a lifetime in prison, but there are risks. If convicted, a child may be placed on probation with stringent requirements (e.g., curfews, drug testing, or community service). For serious crimes, they could be locked up for months—or years—in a state juvenile facility. Texas also uses determinate sentencing, where a judge can impose a blended sentence. This means the juvenile starts in juvenile custody but is transferred to adult prison when they reach age 19 if they break the rules or fail with rehabilitation.
Texas has "certification" to adult court for juveniles 14 and older charged with particular violent felonies (murder, sexual assault, etc.). Prosecutors are required to persuade the court that the juvenile does not qualify to be rehabilitated through the system. If certified, the youngster will be eligible for adult punishments, including imprisonment. That promise makes it well worth having an attorney early on. They are able to fight certification by introducing evidence of maturity, family stability, or possible reformation.
During the first police interrogation, a teen needs protection. Without a lawyer, they might unknowingly admit to something or agree to unfair plea bargains. Police can question kids away from their parents but must recite their Miranda warnings. A good attorney defends rights, scrutinizes evidence, and explores options other than trial (e.g., diversion programs). They bargain to reduce charges or eliminate a permanent record.
An effective defense is fact-based. Common ones are pleading mistaken identity, absence of intent, or illegal police conduct (like illegal searches). For example, if a youth distributed something that did not belong to him without even knowing it was stolen, his lawyer would make the case that he did not have the intent to steal. In drug cases, challenging the lawfulness of a search can cause evidence to be barred. Lawyers also cite mitigating factors, like trauma or peer pressure, to make the case for lesser repercussions.
Yes—but it's not necessarily automatic. In Texas, most juvenile records can be sealed if the child completes their sentence and has a crime-free record for a specified amount of time. Sealing keeps the record hidden from employers, landlords, and schools. But certain violent felonies might never qualify for sealing. An attorney helps prepare the paperwork and make the argument in favor of sealing, and the child gets a clean slate.
Courts seek to rehabilitate children. Judges frequently sentence counseling, anger management, or drug abuse programs in lieu of detention. Community service or restitution (paying victims back) is also typical. These alternatives try to fix behavior without destroying the child's future. Parents need to actively support these efforts—demonstrating to the court that the family is on board with change enhances results.
Not every lawyer understands the nuances of juvenile law. Seek out a Dallas juvenile criminal defense lawyer who handles felonies. They will know the local prosecutors, judges, and diversion programs. Ask about their success rate for remaining in juvenile court or fighting convictions. A good lawyer also explains the process, involves the family in decision-making, and fights for the best interests of the child in the long term.