Juvenile Crime

Having your child arrested for a crime is devastating. You need an experienced advocate who understands that this isn’t only about defending against a juvenile crime. This is about helping a young person protect a promising future. In addition to fears about the child’s future, parents face overwhelming immediate concerns such as: getting the child out of juvenile detention, what is the legal process, and will the child be treated as an adult? We know you need answers to these questions. We work with our clients and their families to obtain a result that doesn’t destroy a child's ability to be a productive member of society when he or she turns eighteen years old. Many youths who are arrested are charged with theft, assault, possession of drugs, disorderly conduct, and curfew violations, while others are charged with more serious offenses. In fact, juveniles can be charged with virtually every crime an adult can be charged with. In our system, however, juvenile crimes are treated differently and the goal of the courts is to rehabilitate our youth rather than merely to punish them. At times, prosecutors want to treat juveniles as adults, multiplying the consequences for the person charged with a crime.

If your child faces juvenile criminal charges, now is the time to keep your child's record clean, keep your child free from incarceration and keep your child where he or she belongs - in school. If you have questions regarding juvenile legal defenses, including charges of assault with a weapon, shoplifting, theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, or minor in possession of controlled substances or marijuana, contact Chris Dorbandt & Associates for a free, no obligation consultation.

We understand that young adults who commit crimes often do so impulsively. We realize that juveniles in the criminal justice system are in a very sensitive position in their lives. How their case is handled can have a dramatic effect on the path one takes for their future. Unfortunately, the perception that a juvenile record won't carry over into adulthood is often not true. Juvenile records frequently appear on school and employment background checks and are certain to appear if he or she is accused of a crime as an adult. When an adult is sentenced, a juvenile record can lead to an increased sentence. The consequences of juvenile criminal charges are progressive and can be enhanced for punishment. You do not want your child to be raised in the justice system. That is why it is critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney helping your child. We work for results – the best possible outcome, whether that be reduced charges and alternative punishments, lessening the chance that your child will spend time in a correctional facility, or face stiff penalties for minor mistakes.

Chris Dorbandt and Associates has helped many people accused of criminal charges, which includes numerous juveniles matters. We argue for full dismissal of charges based on violation of search and seizure laws and/or the lack of probable cause. For instance, in a recent case, an innocent young man was accused of drug possession because he was with a friend who was arrested for possession of marijuana. We successfully argued for dismissal of charges because there was no probable cause to believe he was involved in possessing the drugs. If dismissal isn’t a viable option, there are often other routes. For instance, juvenile drug offenders who submit to drug counseling can have their charges dismissed at the end of their program if they successfully complete the course.

Repercussions of Juvenile Crimes
A juvenile conviction can devastate teenagers’ futures. Time in lock-up replaces time the teen would have spent with family, school work, sports and other positive social influences that can help guide kids to college, productive careers and good choices. Juvenile crimes can have an effect on a child in the school system. A child could be placed on an alternative campus, or a charge could affect their college prospects. Serious charges could force a child to be incarcerated at the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), where they may have to do prison time until the age of 21. It is the goal of our attorneys to fight for your child. Our team of lawyers will examine your case and look at every detail; we will question any charges that have an impact on your child's integrity.

With changing juvenile laws, educators and school officials are able to write criminal citations against minors regarding criminal or even mischievous behavior. For example, schoolyard fights are often criminalized. Regarding any charge, it is important to immediately speak with an attorney regarding your child's rights. Lawyers who are unfamiliar with the juvenile system may believe that juvenile cases should be plead because they think records will be sealed. This is not true. In fact, if a minor is convicted more than once, juvenile offenses and criminal convictions can build on their record and have a severe damaging effect to the child's future.

If your child is being investigated or has been arrested or charged with a juvenile crime, then you should contact us immediately at (512) 407-9700 or toll free at 1 (877) 205-3425. Do not assume your child's criminal charges are unimportant just because he or she is a juvenile. Instead, contact us for answers.
We have the experience and knowledge to help those who have been charged with juvenile crimes in Texas. We understand the different laws associated with juvenile crimes, and we handle juvenile criminal defense cases wih an innovative approach – with the same attention to detail as an adult criminal case – in order to protect your child in today’s criminal justice system.