Juvenile Offenses

Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers

Juvenile court varies greatly from adult court. The primary purpose and focus of juvenile court is to intervene and rehabilitate rather than to punish a minor child. Children ages 10 to 18 years of age have the juvenile court system available to them. The goal of this court is to intervene at an early age in order to curb further delinquency in the future.

The justice system tends to take a lenient stand on first-time minor offenders, and the consequences may involve some community service or a fine. In cases of violent or serious felonious behavior, however, there is the possibility that at the judge’s and prosecutor’s discretion, a minor will be tried in adult court.

A wide range of consequences is available to the court, depending on the seriousness of a child’s offense and his or her previous history. Detention, house arrest, graffiti cleanup, probation, community service and incarceration are all available in the judge’s discretion.

A juvenile having been charged with a crime has the right to procure legal counsel at any point in the proceedings. If a minor infraction has been committed, a child may not require the assistance of an attorney, but in the event of more serious allegations, seeking out the services of an experienced and knowledgeable criminal attorney is imperative.

The Law Office of Peter Barrett specializes in juvenile criminal defense. Our practice areas encompass the entire gamut of juvenile criminal activity, from minor infractions to more serious felony matters as outlined below.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT: This includes any of various assaults that are more serious than common assault, especially a reckless attack performed with the specific intent to commit a crime or to cause serious bodily injury.

DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES: Criminal activity relating to drug possession, use or distribution.

THEFT: A crime in which a person intentionally and fraudulently takes personal property of another without permission or consent, and with the intent to convert it to the taker’s use, including potential sale.

Free attorney consultation: To discuss your case with a Dallas criminal defense lawyer, call 214.526.0555, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or fill out our simple contact form.