No parent wants to get a phone call from the police telling them that their child was arrested for doing something illegal or causing some kind of trouble.
Yet criminal defense attorneys know that it’s an event that happens fairly frequently, even to parents who think their kids could never do something that would lead to their son or daughter being arrested.
What should you do if you do get one of those phone calls?
Because an arrest at such a young age could negatively affect your child’s future life, start off by retaining a criminal defense lawyer who can knows what needs to be done to minize after-effects.
How Are Juvenile Arrests Handled in Texas?
The cases of juveniles arrested in Texas are handled according to the Texas Juvenile Justice Code as documented in the Juvenile Justice Handbook.
This code exists to ensure that young people who commit criminal offenses are punished according to the law while also taking age and other factors into consideration.
The Code focuses on rehabilitation and treatment programs to teach responsibility and accountability in a manner that is acceptable according to the crime committed and the child.
Know Your Child’s Rights
As a parent, you do have certain responsibilities should you get one of those phone calls from or on behalf of your kid, the most important ones being to remain calm, provide the guidance your child needs, and remind them not to argue with public safety officers.
Importantly, be aware that your child has the same rights as anyone else if taken into custody, rights that follow them throughout the legal progression of their case.
They have the right to make a phone call, remain silent, speak with a criminal defense lawyer, and know what charges they are facing.
Seek the Assistance of A Lawyer
It’s essential that you as a parent seek experienced legal assistance if your child is arrested and charged with a crime.
Many teens who are convicted of crimes even as juveniles face challenges throughout the rest of their lives including difficulty in finding jobs, renting a place to live, and other issues that a permanent criminal record can affect.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can work to avoid conviction if possible or seek punishments that will have less lasting effects on that child's criminal record.
Communicate with Your Child
Even if you’re angry or sad, communicate with your child, support them through the ordeal, and look for positive solutions.
Hear them out, try to learn why they did what they did, and talk about the court hearing and potential punishment.
Together, try to analyze the cause of the behavior and discover what should be done to prevent similar actions in the future.
Juvenile Arrests In Texas Demand Special Attention
Every year, parents all over deal with their teen being arrested for some kind of wrongdoing.
Such situations require special handling to ensure your child receives the fair trial they deserve and a fitting punishment according to the Texas Juvenile Justice Code.
Contact a criminal defense lawyer experienced with juvenile arrests to ensure your teen’s rights are upheld to increase the chances of a positive outcome!
Reynaldo Garza, III
Downtown Brownsville
Principal Office
680 East St. Charles St, Suite 600
Brownsville TX 78520
956-300-2260
