Children possess the same emotions as adults but with less control over their feelings. So, it is possible for rough housing to lead to criminal charges. When children are frustrated or angry, their emotions often manifest into physical outbursts they aren’t incapable of controlling. If your child is facing juvenile assault charges Texas, our criminal lawyers are here to help.
Juvenile Assault Charges Texas
Until recently, rough housing was viewed societally as a cathartic means to resolve minor, childish disagreements. However, it has now become the norm for threats and fights to result in juvenile assault charges. No physical contact between your child and the alleged victim is required.
Juvenile assault charges can result from:
- causing another person to fear imminent harm
- attempting to cause injury to another
- threatening another person with physical violence
Juvenile assault is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. This charge may escalate to a felony depending upon who was assaulted (ie. a teacher, public servant, etc.) and how the assault occurred (ie. strangulation, with a deadly weapon, etc.).
Certification as an Adult
Generally, Texas distinguishes juveniles as children between 10 and 16 years of age. Although, if your child has multiple previous convictions or the offense is very serious AND they are older than 14, the State may petition the Court to certify your child as an adult. If so, the judge will order a full investigation into the charges and your child. If the judge decides to certify your child as an adult, your child will face adult repercussions for the offense.
Juvenile Assault Charges Texas Repercussions
Depending upon circumstances, Texas typically prefers to stress rehabilitation over other forms of punishment for juveniles. Whatever the assault charge may be, repercussions may include:
- probation
- community service
- anger management classes
- restitution
- placement in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department
- fines
- driver’s license suspension
When possible, our lawyers will seek deferred adjudication. Texas is much more likely to grant deferred adjudication to juveniles as opposed to adults. Essentially, it’s a second chance. The Court will impose conditions that, if met, will result in the dismissal of charges. In some cases, if the juvenile satisfies all the conditions of deferred adjudication, the Court will allow the juvenile to move forward with no record of the adjudication.
Progressive Sanctions
Texas’s approach to juvenile justice is focused on deterring delinquent behavior as adults. Therefore, Texas uses progressive sanctions to determine the penalty your child faces following conviction. The more your child is exposed to the juvenile system (ie. how many juvenile offenses they’ve faced), the penalties, in theory, grow progressively harsher. The State hopes progressively harsher punishments will curb the criminal behavior before entering adulthood.
Unintended Juvenile Assault Repercussions
Following a juvenile conviction, your child may face unintended consequences (such as disrupted education and difficulty obtaining work). By law, school principals must be informed of charges against their students. Then, school authorities &/or parents may raise concerns about your juvenile’s presence in the school. If convicted, your child could face expulsion or reassignment to an alternative learning program.
This removal could pose a hindrance to admittance into higher-level learning institutions. Many colleges require drug and violent offenses reported on their college applications. Additionally, they may need to disclose any convictions on applications for financial aid.
Plus, certain juvenile assault convictions bar offenders from becoming any of the following professions:
- nurse
- doctor
- dentist
- daycare worker
- accountant
- electrician
- police officer
Lastly, a juvenile offense conviction may affect immigration status; (including the revocation of a visa or denial of a citizenship application).
Seek Representation Immediately
Everyone deserves a second chance, including children facing juvenile assault charges Texas. At AZ Law Firm, we will fight to have the charges dropped or advocate for deferred adjudication. We don’t believe mistakes made in childhood should determine the course of your child’s life. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll begin strategizing your child’s defense.
To find out how we can help you, contact our criminal defense attorneys at 512-400-7070 for juvenile assault charges Texas defense. We will schedule an initial client consultation to review your case details and lay out a game plan for your juvenile assault charges Texas. AZ Law Firm will pursue the legal action necessary to secure the fairest possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
We understand times are tough and that there probably hasn’t been a tougher time in your life. Although we could get away with charging exuberant amounts, we prefer not to as we are a law firm by the people, for the people. We do not want you to worry about whether you can afford to hire an attorney to protect and defend your rights. Call us and be surprised at the quality you receive compared to what other law firms will quote you!
Accordingly, the attorneys at AZ Law Firm will always provide you with a free initial consultation. During this initial consultation, our criminal lawyers will evaluate your case, inform you of any legal options that may be available, and allow you to ask any questions that you may have. AZ Law Firm offers affordable rates for all our clients and will work with you on payment plans. Our firm accepts checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards to cover the costs of your legal representation.