Beaumont Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Trusted Juvenile Crime Attorney in Beaumont

Juvenile charges are nothing to take lightly in Texas. Sometimes, it’s a one-time mistake, such as underage drinking, shoplifting, or vandalism, while in other cases, juvenile offenders may demonstrate a pattern of criminal behavior. In either circumstance, sound legal advice is necessary to protect your child and their future. If your child is facing juvenile charges in Beaumont, a Beaumont juvenile crime lawyer from Renick Law Firm, PLLC, can help.

Protect Your Future With Help From the Renick Law Firm, PLLC

At Renick Law Firm, PLLC, our founding attorney, Scott Renick, is a father and a second-generation attorney who understands how important it is to protect your child’s future. He can listen to your case with compassion and offer unbiased, fierce advocacy as you navigate proceedings. Using our comprehensive legal knowledge and experience navigating local courtrooms, our team can work with you to develop a strong path forward.

Common Juvenile Crimes in Texas

In 2024, 7% of all detainments by law enforcement in the US involved juveniles. Juvenile criminal cases in Texas generally cover the same offenses as adult criminal cases, in addition to some offenses that can only occur when you’re underage. can span the breadth of criminal offenses. Some of the most common juvenile crimes seen in Beaumont and throughout Texas include:

• Theft and Shoplifting. Retail theft is one of the most common infractions among young offenders in Texas. Kids may steal from stores at the Parkdale Mall, the Walmart Supercenter on Dowlen Road, or any number of other stores in the area. The severity of charges in theft and shoplifting cases depends on the value of the stolen property. Juveniles can face fines, restitution, community service, and anti-theft classes.
• Assault. Whether it’s a fight at a party, school, or a local park, Texas does not give minors a pass on violent assault. Offenders may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the assault and any injuries the victim sustains.
• Drug Possession. Another common offense many Texas teens commit involves the possession of controlled or illegal substances such as marijuana, THC cartridges, and even certain prescription medications they are not authorized to use. Prosecutors often favor treatment over harsher punishments, but if the minor is a repeat offender or strong drugs are involved, penalties may increase.
• Criminal Mischief and Vandalism. Trespassing, vandalism, breaking windows, and damaging property may seem like minor infractions, but they can carry misdemeanor or felony level charges in Texas. Restitution and community service are often prescribed for lesser offenses, but juvenile detention and probation may apply for more serious infractions.
• Underage Drinking and DUIs. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by a minor is a common juvenile offense in Texas. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to minors driving under the influence or possessing alcohol. First-time DUI offenders will receive a misdemeanor. Possession of alcohol carries lesser charges, including fines, community service, and alcohol education.

How Long Do Juvenile Records Last in Texas?

When your child makes a poor choice, you may be worried about their future education and employment opportunities, or their social standing and emotional well-being. Juvenile defense isn’t only about protecting your child from having a criminal record; it’s also about protecting their future opportunities.

While many people think a child’s juvenile record disappears when they turn 18, that is not always the case. In Texas, juvenile records are not always sealed. Under Texas Family Code § 58.253, automatic sealing may only apply to minor offenses or first-time charges.

Regardless of the charges your child is facing, legal counsel is required to determine the long-lasting consequences of the offenses they have been charged with. An unsealed juvenile record can have devastating results, affecting college applications, future employment, and even military service.  At Renick Law Firm, PLLC, we can stand with you and your child as we pursue a fair and favorable outcome that protects their right to a successful future.

FAQs

At What Age Can a Child Be Charged With a Crime in Texas?

Texas law defines a child as anyone at least 10 years old, but under 17. If a young person commits an offense that would be classified as a crime if they were an adult, they will face charges for delinquent conduct as a juvenile. If they are 17 or older, they can be charged as an adult and could face the full legal penalties the crime entails.

What Does the Arrest Process Look Like for a Minor in Texas?

The process for detaining a minor in Texas is not technically an “arrest.” It begins when a law enforcement officer takes the child into custody. Usually, a juvenile officer will detain the minor through a juvenile court order. Officers also have the option of issuing a written notice, instead of taking the child into custody, as long as the juvenile board has approved the notice.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Beaumont, Texas?

The cost of hiring a juvenile crime lawyer in Beaumont, Texas, can vary from case to case. This is because the amount you pay will be based on various factors, including the severity of your child’s charges, whether the case goes to court, and the amount of time and resources your attorney must dedicate to the cause. You can discuss all pricing concerns during your initial case evaluation with a Beaumont defense attorney.

What Should You Do If Your Child Is Detained in Texas?

If your child is under the age of 18 and was detained in Texas, it’s crucial that you seek aid from a skilled juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible. The quicker you hire a juvenile crime lawyer, the quicker they can begin protecting your child’s rights and advocating for a positive outcome. Juvenile crime laws in Texas can be complex, and it’s imperative that you work with someone who knows how to protect your child’s future.

Is Your Child Facing Juvenile Charges in Beaumont? Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer Today

When your child is faced with legal disciplinary action, you may be frightened for their future. At Renick Law Firm, PLLC, our team is ready to stand as your legal advocates while protecting the rights of your child throughout every proceeding they face. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.