The Woodlands, Texas Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyers

Reliable Attorneys Handling Juvenile Crime Allegations in The Woodlands

When a child is accused of a criminal violation, special legal procedures have to be followed. While the courts usually show more leniency towards minors compared to adults, the outcome of a juvenile case could still have a far-reaching effect on a child's future. To make sure your child's interests are fairly represented, reach out to a juvenile crimes attorney in The Woodlands.

At Barbieri Law Firm, we have made a name for ourselves as dedicated, client-focused attorneys, as you can see in our over 275 5-star reviews. We can help you challenge the accusations against your child and pursue the best possible result to protect their future.

Common Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile cases can carry serious consequences for a minor's education, family life, and future opportunities. Common examples include terroristic threats, drug offenses, and theft.

A terroristic threat allegation can arise from statements made in person, over text, or on social media, especially in school-related situations. Texas defines "terroristic threat" broadly as threatening violence to a person or property with certain intents, such as placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or interrupting the use of a building. Defense strategies often focus on context and intent, including whether the statement was conditional, exaggerated, or misinterpreted, and whether the state can prove the specific intent required by the statute.

Drug charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the substance and amount. Defense strategies often include challenging whether the minor actually possessed the substance, whether the search or seizure was lawful, and whether the lab testing and chain of custody are reliable.

Theft allegations can also range from low-level to high-level depending on the value of the property and other factors. Defense strategies often focus on identification, whether there was intent to deprive, witness credibility, and whether the allegations are supported by video, receipts, or other documentation.

Juvenile Court Proceedings in Texas

A juvenile case usually moves through three core phases known as detention, adjudication, and disposition.

If a minor is taken into custody, the court can hold a detention hearing to decide whether continued detention is legally justified. Our attorneys can argue for release by showing stable supervision at home, school attendance, community ties, and a plan that addresses the court's concerns without detention.

Adjudication is the trial phase in juvenile court. The state must prove the allegation beyond a reasonable doubt, and evidence that is illegally seized or obtained is inadmissible. Defense strategies here include challenging probable cause and identification, cross-examining witnesses for inconsistencies, and filing motions to exclude unlawful evidence.

If the court finds delinquent conduct, it moves to disposition, which is the juvenile equivalent of sentencing. Strategies at disposition focus on limiting the consequences and presenting mitigation, such as counseling, evaluations, school records, family support, and structured alternatives to secure placement.

When Can a Minor Be Charged as an Adult in Texas?

In Texas, most cases with minors are handled in juvenile court, but a juvenile court can waive jurisdiction and transfer certain felony cases to adult criminal court under specific age and offense criteria. Under the Texas Family Code, a child who was 14 or older at the time of the alleged offense may be eligible for transfer for a capital felony, first-degree felony, or aggravated controlled substance felony, and a child who was 15 or older may be eligible for transfer for second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies, or state jail felonies. The court must also find probable cause and determine that, due to the seriousness of the offense or the child's background, the welfare of the community requires criminal proceedings.

Defense strategies in transfer cases often focus on blocking the waiver by challenging probable cause, emphasizing the child's lack of prior history, presenting treatment and supervision options, and showing why rehabilitation within the juvenile system is appropriate.

Meet With a Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney in The Woodlands, TX

At Barbieri Law Firm, our attorneys can pursue outcomes to safeguard your child's future. Call 972-424-1902 or contact our The Woodlands, TX juvenile crime defense attorneys to set up a free consultation.