Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Temple

Our Bell County Criminal Defense Attorney Helps Kids Who Make Mistakes

Just like adults, minors can find themselves in some tough situations that get them into trouble. Whether they have actually committed a crime or have been falsely accused, it is important to seek the help of a seasoned Temple juvenile crimes attorney.

At the Law Offices of Michael F. White, we understand that juvenile crime charges can create complex and confusing times for minors and their parents. If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime, you can turn to our Bell County criminal defense lawyer who will do everything possible to protect your child’s rights and future.

The Texas Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system differs from the adult justice system in that it focuses on rehabilitation, rather than punishment. In fact, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s (TJJD) mission is to “transform young lives and create safe communities.” The emphasis on rehabilitation in juvenile procedures causes some legal terms and concepts to differ from those that used in the adult criminal justice setting.

There are several key legal terms and concepts used in the adult system that have a parallel word or phrase in the juvenile justice system, including:

• Criminal conduct = delinquent conduct
• Arraignment = detention hearing
• Pre-trial local jail = pre-adjudication facility
• Trial = adjudication hearing
• Guilt/innocence = true/not true
• Sentence = disposition

Understanding legal terms and concepts like these can be useful when progressing through the juvenile criminal proceedings. An experienced attorney can help you understand additional helpful information regarding juvenile hearings and guide you through the entire process.

Protect Your Son or Daughter from Criminal Charges

Although the emphasis of the TJJD is on rehabilitation, convictions of juvenile crimes could impact your child for the rest of his or her life. Contrary to popular belief, criminal records are not automatically wiped clean once the youth reaches a certain age. Because these convictions can have lifelong adverse effects, it is important to contact our Temple juvenile crimes lawyer as soon as possible to discuss how you should progress.