Protecting Your Child's Future: Experienced Juvenile Defense in East Texas
When your child is in trouble with the law, their entire future is at stake. We fight to ensure one mistake doesn't define the rest of their life.
A Different System Requires a Different Approach
The Texas juvenile justice system is fundamentally different from the adult criminal courts. The stated goal is rehabilitation, not just punishment. However, the consequences of a juvenile adjudication can be severe and long-lasting, affecting everything from college applications to future employment. You need an attorney who is not only an experienced trial lawyer but also deeply understands the unique procedures, rules, and goals of the juvenile courts in East Texas.
Common Juvenile Offenses in East Texas
We represent young people facing all types of allegations, from minor infractions to serious felonies. Common cases we handle include:
Underage DWI & Drug Possession
Simple possession of marijuana, prescription pills, or alcohol can lead to serious consequences, including driver's license suspension.
Theft, Vandalism & Criminal Mischief
Charges ranging from shoplifting to destruction of property. We work to find solutions that avoid a permanent record.
Assault & Fights
A school fight or neighborhood dispute can escalate into serious assault charges with lasting consequences.
Sexting & Online Offenses
In the digital age, teenagers can face serious charges like online solicitation or possession of illegal images, often without understanding the severity.
Our Goal: Keeping a Mistake from Defining a Lifetime
While the juvenile system focuses on rehabilitation, a formal "adjudication" is similar to a conviction and can have serious repercussions. It can impact college admissions, military enlistment, and future job prospects. Our primary objective is to resolve the case in a way that allows for the sealing of your child's record, giving them a true second chance and a clean slate for their adult life.
Our Defense Strategy for Juvenile Cases
Our approach to juvenile defense is two-fold: we aggressively defend your child's rights in court while simultaneously working to find creative, rehabilitative solutions that prosecutors and judges will accept.
Protecting Your Child's Rights
Juveniles have constitutional rights, just like adults. We ensure your child was not illegally searched or questioned without a parent or attorney present. We protect them from overzealous investigators.
Negotiating for Diversion and Deferred Prosecution
For many first-time offenders in East Texas, we can negotiate with the prosecutor for a "deferred prosecution" or another diversionary program. This typically involves a period of probation after which the case is dismissed and is eligible to be sealed.
Challenging the Evidence
If a favorable negotiation is not possible, we are always prepared for the "adjudication hearing" (the juvenile equivalent of a trial). We challenge the state's evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and hold the prosecution to their burden of proof.
Focusing on Record Sealing
The ultimate goal is a clean slate. We guide families through the complex process of sealing juvenile records, ensuring that a youthful mistake does not create a barrier to future success.
Protecting Families Across East Texas
Our firm provides compassionate and effective juvenile defense for families throughout East Texas. We have extensive experience in the juvenile courts of Gregg County, Smith County, and beyond:
Longview
Tyler
Marshall
Kilgore
Henderson
Gilmer
Texarkana
Easter District of Texas
Gregg County
Smith County
Harrison County
Rusk County
Upshur County
Panola County
Wood County
...and beyond.
Your Child's Future is Too Important to Risk.
If your son or daughter has been arrested or is under investigation, the time to act is now. Contact us for a confidential consultation to learn how we can protect your child and your family.