Options for Juvenile Offenders in Texas

There are many sentencing options available to juveniles charged with crimes

The juvenile criminal system, unlike the adult criminal system, focuses on providing outlets for rehabilitation and education rather than punishment. As a juvenile offense attorney with more than 27 years of legal experience, I work through my firm, Kevin L. Collins, P.C. to ensure that your child receives the best option to ensure his or her growth and education. I work closely with children and parents alike to personalize my representation style and protect your child’s rights.

Numerous options available for Texas juvenile offenders

A minor is rarely tried as an adult for a crime. Rather than imprisonment, fines, probation and more, juvenile offenses typically have sentences with rehabilitative aims. Some of the most common sentences under juvenile law include:

• House arrest/home confinement: Judges can order offenders to remain at home, with exceptions for school, work or counseling.
• Placement with someone other than parent/guardian: Judges occasionally require that minors spend time living with a different relative or in a foster home.
• Juvenile detention: Juvenile detention facilities are designed for short-term stays and are meant for rehabilitation of troubled youths.
• Probation: After juvenile facility confinement, some minors are given probation to encourage them to stay out of trouble. About half of all minors convicted of juvenile offenses receive probation.
• Counseling: Judges often order a child to attend counseling.
• Community service: Judges may order the offender to participate in community service.
• Electronic monitoring: Juvenile offenders may be required to wear bracelets around their wrists or ankles that track their location, making it easier to keep them out of trouble.
• Other penalties: Other penalties can include fines, warnings, loss of permissions and more.

In addition to these penalties, there are pretrial diversions available. Bexar County, for example, offers a comprehensive diversion program that has been quite effective. Treatment in lieu of prosecution allows the juvenile to avoid the court process and get right to counseling and other forms of treatment. Supervision in lieu of detention involves additional oversight over the offender’s life rather than confinement during or after the court process.

Learn more about the common penalties juvenile offenders face

To learn more about the different sentencing options available for juvenile offenders and how you can ensure a favorable situation for your child, please contact Kevin L. Collins, P.C. at 210-598-8629 or via email. Schedule your consultation today and allow me to fight for your child’s rights and future.