The juvenile justice system punishes children charged with violations of state law. In short, any crime that an adult could face in a state court can be punished in a juvenile court if the person charged is under 17 years old. Juveniles face consequences ranging from deferred prosecution to time in a Texas Youth Commission Facility (child prison) or certification and trial as an adult with the possibility of life in adult prison.
Juvenile proceedings are handled in state district courts and are prosecuted by District and County Attorney’s Offices. Juvenile probation departments are heavily involved in juvenile proceedings and make recommendations about the outcome of a case; these recommendations often have a significant influence on the prosecutors’ decisions in a case. If a child is charged with a serious felony and is over the age of 14, the State may consider certification of the child as an adult. If the child is certified as an adult, he or she may face time in an adult prison.
Having a child charged with a crime is a harrowing experience to say the least. Ensuring that your child gets proper representation may be the most important step in achieving a desirable outcome. David Nachtigall is both a former Harris County juvenile prosecutor and has defended children charged with a variety of crimes.
If your child has been charged with a crime, contact juvenile defense attorney David Nachtigall to schedule a consultation and discuss the matter at no-cost.