Dallas Juvenile Crime Attorney

Juvenile Matters & Defense
Fighting to Protect Your Rights throughout North Texas

A child charged with committing a crime in Texas faces unique consequences from the criminal conviction to a negative impact on his or her future. Your child deserves the care and concern that comes with decades of experience in the juvenile justice system in Texas. We understand the consequences of a criminal conviction and the negative impact on your child’s future. We are here to fight for their future.

Tim Clancy is a qualified and skilled juvenile defense attorney in Dallas, TX. He has  decades of experience defending children in hundreds of cases. Tim was a former juvenile prosecutor, which helps him understands both sides of the system. Due to his performance handling juvenile cases, he was awarded “top three best juvenile law attorneys” in the DFW area.

Juvenile Courts in Dallas

The juvenile courts oversee crimes committed by children.  Alcohol – related crimes are usually handled by the municipal courts. However, if the crime is serious enough, a juvenile may be tried as an adult.

The areas of juvenile practice and procedure, including the TDCJ are numerous and complex – and more than a little different from what is experienced by adult defendants. The juvenile court system requires an attorney, like Tim Clancy, who has knowledge of both the Texas Penal Code and the Texas Family Code.

In Texas, a criminally responsible child can be any child between 10–16. It is unusual for a child under the age of 10 to be held criminally responsible. On the other hand, anyone who is 17 or older is treated as an adult by the criminal courts.

We Help Your Child Avoid A Conviction

Do not let your child plead guilty to delinquent conduct, until you have received the advice of an top rated criminal defense lawyer. With every child we represent, our top priority is to avoid a conviction.

With effective representation as an experienced juvenile justice attorney, we are here to ensure your child is not wrongfully convicted or their rights are not violated. We realize the severity of consequences due to a juvenile conviction. Without the help of an attorney, your child can face a number of scenarios from probation to being sentenced to the Texas Youth Commission.

If your child is facing criminal charges, he or she needs a lawyer that will look at the facts of the case, and build a defense. When you hire Tim Clancy to defend your child, you can expect him to:

• Investigating the Case Thoroughly: Reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying any violations of the minor’s rights or procedural errors.
• Negotiating for Diversion Programs: Working to place the minor in programs focused on rehabilitation, such as counseling or community service, which may lead to dismissal of charges.
• Seeking Deferred Prosecution: Advocating for agreements where charges are dropped after successful completion of conditions like school attendance, community service, or classes.
• Challenging the Evidence: Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or questioning witness credibility to weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Representing the Minor in Court: Providing strong representation at detention, adjudication, and disposition hearings to protect the juvenile’s rights and pursue the best outcome.

Schedule a free consultation today. 

Juvenile Crimes We Handle

Our juvenile crime lawyers represent children (under 18 years of age) charged with felonies and misdemeanors including but limited to:

• Misdemeanor & Aggravated Assault
• Sexual Assault and other Sex Crimes – including sexting defense, statutory rape and date rape
• Drug Crimes: Possession, Distribution, Trafficking – including possession of drugs and drug trafficking
• DWI and other Alcohol Related Charges – including alcohol consumption (MIP, MIC, and DUI)
• Robbery, Burglary and other Theft Crimes – including car theft (car jacking), building vandalism and shoplifting
• Arson
• Weapons Charges
• Shoplifting and theft crimes
• Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Date rape or sexual assault
• Fighting on assault and battery
• Criminal Trespass
• Criminal Mischief
• Assault Family Violence
• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (driving without a license)
• Murder and Manslaughter

These charges can carry long-term consequences and impact education, college admissions, and employment.

The Juvenile Court Process in Texas

• Intake – After arrest, a juvenile intake officer decides whether to release the child or detain them for a hearing.
• Detention Hearing – If detained, the child must be seen by a judge within 48 hours to determine if detention should continue.
• Adjudication – This is the juvenile equivalent of a trial, where a judge decides if the offense occurred.
• Disposition – If found guilty, the judge assigns consequences like probation, counseling, community service, or placement in a juvenile facility.

The juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation. A lawyer can advocate for non-detention alternatives and protect your child’s rights throughout each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Will this stay on my child’s record? – Juvenile records can be sealed in many cases, but it’s not automatic. A lawyer can help with the sealing process.
• Is juvenile court the same as adult court? – No. Juvenile court emphasizes rehabilitation, but the consequences can still be serious and lasting.
• Can my child be tried as an adult? – In serious felony cases, juveniles 14 or older may be certified to stand trial as adults. An attorney can fight to keep the case in juvenile court.
• What is deferred prosecution? – It’s a voluntary program that avoids formal prosecution if the juvenile meets certain conditions like community service or counseling.
• What can I do as a parent? – Stay involved, attend court hearings, and follow your lawyer’s advice. Courts appreciate supportive family involvement.

What is a Criminally Responsible Child in Texas

Texas defines a criminally responsible child as a child who allegedly commits a crime between the ages of 10 and 16 years old. A child younger than 10 is typically not held criminally responsible. A person age 17 or older is considered an adult.

Contact a Dallas Juvenile Crime Attorney

For additional information about juvenile-crimes, the juvenile process or to discuss your child’s situation in confidence with an experienced Dallas juvenile crime lawyer, please schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (214) 550-5771, or if you prefer, fill out the contact form in the right margin and we will contact you.

Available 24/7