Juvenile crimes in Tyler, TX consist of crimes that are committed by an offender who is not yet considered a legal adult. These crimes range in severity from quite minor to extremely serious, but no matter what the offense, families should do everything in their power to find a lawyer who can offer their children legal help and advice. Dealing with a criminal charge is stressful for everyone in the family, but the right lawyer will be able to help.
Who Is Considered a Juvenile?
In Texas, any child between the age of 10 and 16 and who has committed a crime is considered a juvenile offender. While 17 is the generally accepted cutoff for trying defendants as adults, there are a few circumstances under which children over the age of 13 can be prosecuted as adults. These circumstances usually involve violent crimes such as felony assault, murder, or assault with a deadly weapon.
Common Juvenile Crimes
While any crime can be a juvenile crime if it is committed by a child, there are a few criminal activities that are particularly common among Texas youths. These include underage drinking, drug use or possession, shoplifting, trespassing, graffiti, truancy, and gang-related activities. While it is obvious that these crimes vary quite a bit in severity, what they all have in common is that they can leave Texas juveniles with a damaging criminal record.
Avoid Far-Reaching Allegations
Incarceration is not the only negative consequence of juvenile crimes. The allegations brought against children can have far-reaching consequences, impacting everything from how the defendants are placed in schools to whether or not they are allowed to participate in school activities.
Take Action Now
The criminal prosecution of juvenile crimes in Tyler, TX can move quickly. It begins with a petition to file a case in juvenile court and ends when the child is either convicted or acquitted.
Parents of children who are facing prosecution need to find qualified counsel as soon as possible to ensure that they are well represented in court and have help to achieve the best possible outcomes. Contact the Law Office of Holmes & Moore P.L.L.C. to get started today.
