Dallas Juvenile Crimes Attorney
Being convicted of any criminal offense can have long-lasting effects on any individual’s life, but juveniles face very unique circumstances if they are accused of committing a crime. Being convicted of a juvenile offense has the potential to result in a number of court-ordered penalties that can have an effect on every aspect of a young person’s life, and can continue to affect them for years to come. A juvenile crime conviction can change the trajectory of a young person’s life forever.
Even after a juvenile offender has completed any court-ordered penalties, they may find that, with a crime on their record, they are unable to find employment, find a place to live, or further their education. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our legal team understands how juveniles in Dallas may be affected when they are denied these opportunities so early in life and the disadvantage it can place a juvenile at, even years and decades to come. As such, having a skilled and aggressive defense attorney can be critical to protecting not only a juvenile’s rights, but also his or her future.
We know that young people make mistakes, and at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we’re prepared to help them reach the best possible result in their case. It’s our goal to help each young person navigate the juvenile criminal system as effectively as possible in order to minimize the impact that it has on them , their future, and their family. Our team of attorneys can help preserve your child’s future and get their life back on track. Call our Dallas juvenile justice attorneys at (214) 845-7007 or email us to talk to our team right away about your case.
Do I Need a Texas Juvenile Crimes Lawyer?
It can be tempting to simply tell your child to own up to their actions and admit guilt. You might assume that the judge will go easy on your child because of their youth. It’s a mistake to assume that the charges against your child aren’t serious.
A juvenile offense may result in local jail time or even detention in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Youth incarceration may last years and can even include transfer to adult prison. In all cases, the court may impose serious consequences aimed at rehabilitation for the child, which may include substance abuse treatment, counseling, and community service.
Though facing allegations of a juvenile offense can be stressful and a cause for uncertainty, children have constitutional rights that allow them to fight the charges against them. The same rights to trial and presentation of a defense apply to youth and adults alike, which includes the right to a trial on the merits of the offense and the right to plead not guilty and call witnesses in their defense.
With representation from a Dallas juvenile crimes lawyer, you can defend against the charges. Your attorney can help you determine what defenses may be appropriate as well as give you an understanding all of the options and what you can do to minimize the impact of the charges on the life of your child and your family.
Why Choose Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter?
Mark T. Lassiter, J.D., is a former Dallas County prosecutor. He knows the juvenile legal system in detail, and he’s prepared to fight for the best interests of your child. His experience includes handling a wide array of criminal offenses, including juvenile crimes. He has experience helping good people who are charged with crimes minimize the potential penalties of the charges against them. He can help you understand the charges and what you and your child can do in order to respond to them in the best possible way. Mark Lassiter and the team at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter are prepared to help you appropriately handle every aspect of the charges your child is facing.
Mark Lassiter is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Texas Super Lawyers has recognized him, and he’s also listed in the Who’s Who of America and the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and is also admitted to appear before the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mark Lassiter’s wealth of experience and recognition can give you assurances that you have a top Dallas juvenile crimes defense attorney working to help your child reach the best possible result for their case.
Common Juvenile Crimes
There are a variety of criminal offenses that youths may find themselves accused of, and these range significantly in the severity of the crime and any punishments associated with a conviction. However, a conviction of any criminal charge, no matter how seemingly minor, can have dramatic effects on a young person’s life and as such, it is important to have experienced legal defense when facing the following charges:
- Drunk Driving
- Minor in Possession (MIP)
- Minor in Consumption (MIC)
- Public Intoxication (PI)
- Traffic Violations
- Sexual Assault
- Property Damage / Vandalism
- Theft / Shoplifting
- Drug Offenses
Some families make the mistake of not fighting criminal charges, and instead paying a fine for their child’s crimes, hoping that these offenses will be forgotten in time. This mistake is a significant one, as far too often these offenses are not forgotten or overlooked, but rather continue to affect an individual well into their adult years. When the court finds that a child has committed an offense, they may impose significant penalties. A juvenile who commits a crime may face difficulty getting into college, finding a job, and more. In the case of serious offenses, such as sex crimes and felonies, a conviction may transfer to adult court and become public when the child reaches the age of majority.
What May Happen If My Child Faces a Criminal Charge in Texas?
A child may face a youth criminal offense if they’re at least 10 years old but less than 17 years old. The state can seek to transfer the case to adult court if the child is at least 14 and the offense is serious. However, if the offense is minor, your attorney may help you negotiate for your child to participate in a first offender program, which may result in dismissal of the allegations against your child (if they complete education, rehabilitation, community service and pay restitution if a victim suffered financial damages because of the offense).
Call a Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Dallas
We know that it can be a struggle to know what to do when your child faces allegations of breaking the law. We can help. Don’t let juvenile charges continue to affect your life and your family for years to come. Take action to protect your child’s rights and future today by calling the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter at (214) 845-7007 today or message us via the website to contact our legal team immediately. We can help you explore your legal options and work on the best way to defend yourself against a juvenile offense.