Plano, Texas Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyers

Skilled Defense Attorneys for Juvenile Offenses in Plano

When minors are accused of crimes, the legal procedures can become complicated. In some cases, children can even be charged as adults for various criminal offenses. If you are concerned about your child's future, the best thing you can do is to seek representation from a Plano, TX juvenile crimes defense attorney.

At Barbieri Law Firm, we have the skills and resources to help defend minors against allegations of serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex crimes. In the years since our firm was first established, we have earned over 275 5-star reviews, so you can rely on us to provide you with strong counsel and representation.

Defending Against Charges of Terroristic Threats in Plano

A charge of making a terroristic threat can arise from words alone, often spoken in moments of anger, fear, or immaturity. In Texas, a terroristic threat generally involves a statement or communication that places another person in fear of imminent serious harm or causes a disruption to public safety. For juveniles, these allegations frequently stem from comments made at school, online messages, or verbal confrontations that escalate beyond what the child intended.

Although the law does not require that the juvenile actually carry out the threat, prosecutors may still pursue charges if they believe the statement was meant to cause fear or provoke a serious response from authorities. For families, this can be shocking, particularly when the alleged conduct involves no weapons and no physical harm. A careful defense focuses on context, intent, and the child's developmental capacity to understand the consequences of what was said.

Common Underage Drinking Offenses in Texas

Underage drinking cases are among the most common juvenile offenses handled by the Texas juvenile court system. These charges often arise from social gatherings, traffic stops, or school-related events, and they can carry lasting consequences if not handled properly.

Common allegations involving minors and alcohol include:

• Minor in possession of alcohol, which can involve holding or transporting an alcoholic beverage
• Minor in consumption of alcohol, based on evidence such as breath tests or officer observations
• Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor, including the use of false identification
• Driving under the influence by a minor, which applies even when alcohol levels are below the adult legal limit

While these offenses may appear minor, they can result in license suspensions, fines, mandatory education programs, and a juvenile record. An effective defense examines whether law enforcement followed proper procedures and whether the evidence truly establishes possession or consumption beyond reasonable doubt.

Sexual Assault Allegations Involving Minors

When a minor is accused of sexual assault, the emotional and legal stakes are extraordinarily high. These cases often involve complex situations such as peer relationships, misunderstandings about consent, or conflicting accounts between young people. Unlike adult cases, juvenile sexual assault allegations require careful attention to age differences, intent, and the surrounding circumstances.

A conviction or adjudication in this area can carry consequences far beyond the juvenile court system, including sex offender registration in some cases. Defending a minor accused of sexual assault demands a thoughtful approach that protects the child's rights while challenging the credibility, reliability, and context of the allegations. Early legal intervention is critical to prevent long-term harm to a young person's future.

Contact a Plano, TX Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney

At Barbieri Law Firm, our legal team can work to protect your child's record, advocate for alternatives to detention, and guide your family through an intimidating process with clarity and care. If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, call our offices at 972-424-1902 or contact our Plano, TX juvenile crimes defense attorneys to set up a free initial consultation today.