Juvenile Offenses

Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyers

Young people face juvenile criminal charges after being accused of an enormous range of crimes including shoplifting, stealing, traffic violations, criminal mischief, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana possession, drug possession), probation violations, robbery, arson, weapons charges, gang violence, rape or other juvenile sex crimes—even murder.

The Need to Understand Juvenile Law

Whether you are a child charged with a crime because you shot someone, or a family member distressed over a minor in possession of drugs, you need to understand juvenile defense procedures in order to defend yourself before juvenile court. Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, offers a free consultation for we can begin that process.

Experienced Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyers

Whatever the age or the violation, contact the law firm of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, for a free consultation with an attorney. Our Houston, Texas defense lawyers have years of experience seeking to prevent jail time and other extraordinary punishments for juvenile crimes.

Juvenile Defense: A Growth Industry

Recently, there has been a tremendous growth in juvenile prosecution and a greater willingness by the State of Texas to certify juveniles as adults rather than prosecute them as juvenile delinquents. The purpose of the juvenile justice system is different from that of the adult criminal justice system, however. The hope of the juvenile courts—and the hope of society—is that young people can be rehabilitated. Certifying them as adults completely gives up on that hope.

At Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, we never forget that a child is just that: a child. A criminal record, even a juvenile record, is a tag that will often harm a child much more than it benefits the State.

What to Do if You Are Summoned to Court Because of Your Child’s Arrest

When a parent is summoned to court to answer for his child’s alleged criminal act, he or she is usually unsure of what to do. Some parents don’t know whether they even need a lawyer. Sometimes a juvenile probation officer or court staff will tell the parents that an attorney is unnecessary. Sometimes a prosecutor will give the parents the same advice, assuring them that the case is not serious enough to warrant a defense attorney.

But beware: it is critical that your child be competently represented in juvenile court. There is no minor criminal case.

The lawyers of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford make it a point to walk the young person and his parents through all juvenile criminal procedures. We will fight for your child’s freedom, which sometimes comes in the form of restitution or probation.

To schedule a free consultation with a Houston juvenile defense lawyer for charges anywhere in Texas, contact us.