Fort Bend Juvenile Defense: Protecting Your Child’s Future Starts Here
When a child is arrested or accused of a crime in Fort Bend County, the impact on a family can be devastating. The legal process moves fast. The terminology is confusing. And the consequences—academic, emotional, and legal—can last for years.
At Varghese Summersett, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be for parents. That’s why we focus not only on defending your child in court, but also on protecting their future. Our team, led by former Fort Bend County prosecutor and U.S. Army JAG officer Mike Hanson, is known for its compassion, courtroom skill, and commitment to long-term outcomes.
We guide families through every step of the juvenile justice process—from detention hearings to final resolutions—while working toward the best possible result: dismissal, diversion, or a clean slate.
Meet Fort Bend Juvenile Lawyer Mike Hanson
Mike Hanson is Senior Counsel and Houston Area Lead at Varghese Summersett. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, he has handled hundreds of juvenile cases, including more than 60 jury trials. Mike regularly defends minors in detention hearings, adjudications, and certification hearings where the state tries to prosecute juveniles as adults. His military background adds a layer of discipline and strategic thinking that sets him apart in Fort Bend County courtrooms.
What Is a Juvenile Case in Texas?
In Texas, juveniles are individuals between the ages of 10 and 16. Once a person turns 17, they are considered an adult in the eyes of the criminal justice system. However, children as young as 14 can be certified to stand trial as adults in certain serious cases.
Juvenile cases are technically civil matters, but they can still lead to detention, probation, or long-term consequences if not handled properly.
What Happens After an Arrest?
After being taken into custody, juveniles are transported to the Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center in Richmond. Instead of bail, Texas law requires a detention hearing within two business days. This is a critical opportunity to argue for the child’s release to their guardian. Fort Bend Juvenile Lawyer Mike Hanson regularly appears at these hearings to advocate for early release and begin building a strong defense strategy.
When you receive that devastating phone call informing you that your child has been arrested, understanding what happens next can help you navigate this crisis and make critical decisions that will impact your child’s future.
Where Is Your Child Right Now?
Arrested juveniles in Fort Bend County are typically taken to the Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center at 1410 Ransom Road in Richmond. Call (281) 341-8532 immediately to confirm your child’s location. If the facility is at capacity, your child may be at Harris County’s juvenile detention facility. For less serious offenses, they might be released directly to you.
The 48-Hour Rule
Texas law protects detained juveniles through strict time limits. Your child cannot be held for more than 48 hours without a detention hearing, excluding weekends and holidays. If arrested Friday evening, the clock starts Monday morning. This hearing is your first opportunity to get your child released.
The Critical Detention Hearing
The detention hearing determines whether your child remains in custody or gets released pending trial. This may be the most important proceeding in your child’s entire case, typically occurring within one to two business days of arrest.
The judge considers whether your child poses a flight risk or danger to the community. Key factors include family support, home stability, school attendance, criminal history, substance abuse issues, and the nature of the alleged offense. Strong family support and regular school attendance help secure release, while violent crimes, weapons charges, or previous failures to appear work against it. This is the stage where an experienced Fort Bend juvenile lawyer could make a first appearance on your child’s behalf. Time is of the essence to secure legal counsel.
| Reasons for Continued Detention | Reasons for Release |
|---|---|
| Violent or serious offenses | Strong family support system |
| Weapons charges | Stable home environment |
| Flight risk concerns | Regular school attendance |
| Previous failures to appear | No prior juvenile record |
| Public safety threat | Non-violent offense |
| Unstable home situation | Community ties and involvement |
| Substance abuse issues | Child’s young age and maturity |
| Gang involvement | Employment or school commitments |
When Detention Continues
If detention continues, the law requires review hearings at least every 10 days. Children held more than three days must receive educational services. You maintain visitation rights, though visits are supervised. The facility must provide necessary medical and mental health care.
Detention is not considered punishment but a secure environment while the case proceeds. However, any time spent in detention is traumatic and disruptive to your child’s life, school, and family relationships. Read more about juvenile detention in Texas.
Why Legal Representation Cannot Wait
The detention hearing sets the tone for your child’s entire case. You only get one chance to make that first impression. An experienced juvenile defense attorney knows what arguments work with local judges and can immediately begin gathering evidence for release.
Anything your child says can be used against them later, and an attorney ensures they don’t inadvertently damage their case.
Extended detention means missed school, lost opportunities, family separation, and psychological trauma that lasts long after the legal case ends.
Taking Immediate Action
Time is critical. Your first call should confirm your child’s location. Your second call should be to us and ask to speak to Mike Hanson, an experienced Fort Bend juvenile lawyer. Call today for a complimentary and confidential consultation at (281) 805-2220
Common Juvenile Charges in Fort Bend County (Ordered by Severity)
- Truancy and Runaway: Chronic school absences or leaving home without permission
- Disruption at School: Disorderly conduct, fighting, or causing classroom disturbances
- Vandalism and Criminal Mischief: Graffiti, tagging, or damaging school or personal property
- Theft and Shoplifting: Stealing from stores, homes, or classmates; includes petty theft and retail fraud
- Minor in Possession (MIP): Alcohol or tobacco possession by a minor
- Public Intoxication: Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in public
- Drug Possession: Possession of marijuana, THC products, prescription meds, or drug paraphernalia
- Underage DWI: Driving under the influence before age 21
- Possession of a Weapon: Bringing a firearm or prohibited weapon to school or in public
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV): Taking a vehicle without permission
- Assault: School fights, domestic violence, or assaults causing injury
- Aggravated Assault: Assault with a weapon or causing serious bodily harm
- Burglary and Robbery: Breaking into property with intent to commit theft or violence
- Sex Offenses: Indecent exposure, sexting, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault
- Online Crimes: Cyberbullying, hacking, or distribution of explicit material
- Terroristic Threats: Making threats against schools, people, or public gatherings
- Certification as an Adult: Juveniles 14 or older can be certified for adult court in violent or serious cases
Whether your child is facing a low-level offense or a serious felony, we are prepared to step in immediately and fight for the best possible outcome. Fort Bend juvenile attorney Mike Hanson has the experience and dedication to guide your family through this difficult time.
Outcomes and Punishments in Juvenile Court
Navigating the juvenile justice system in Fort Bend can be overwhelming for families, especially when the future of a child is at stake. Fort Bend juvenile lawyer Mike Hanson understands the high stakes and is committed to guiding families through every phase of the process. One of the most important aspects of a juvenile case is understanding the possible outcomes and punishments that a young person may face.
Deferred Prosecution
This is an informal six-month probation period offered in many first-time, non-violent cases. If completed successfully, no conviction is entered.
Juvenile Probation
Court-ordered probation may include school attendance, drug testing, curfews, counseling, and check-ins with a probation officer. It cannot extend beyond the juvenile’s 18th birthday.
Commitment to TJJD
For serious or repeat offenses, a child can be committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) until age 19.
Certification as an Adult
Prosecutors may try to certify a child as an adult and transfer the juvenile case to adult court. This can result in adult-level sentencing. We fight aggressively to keep cases in the juvenile system where rehabilitation remains possible. Learn more about juvenile certification.
No matter what your child is facing, Fort Bend juvenile lawyer Mike Hanson will work tirelessly to protect their future and pursue an outcome focused on rehabilitation—not punishment.
Our Rehabilitation-Focused Defense Approach
We believe the goal of the juvenile justice system should be second chances—not permanent records. We work to secure outcomes that prioritize your child’s growth and future, including:
- Diversion Programs: Keep your child out of court with community-based interventions
- First Offender Programs: Avoid a record with educational and service-based alternatives
- Mental Health and Counseling: Access to trauma-informed care and behavioral services
- Educational Advocacy: Support your child’s learning plan and school reintegration
- Sealing Juvenile Records: We help eligible clients clear their record when the case is over
Why Families Trust Varghese Summersett
- Proven experience in Fort Bend juvenile courts
- Former prosecutors who know both sides of the law
- Military professionalism and courtroom strategy
- Genuine care for your child’s long-term future
Take the First Step Today
Don’t let a mistake shape your child’s future. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to protect your child’s freedom and future.
Click here to schedule a confidential consultation with Fort Bend Juvenile Lawyer Mike Hanson. We serve families in Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, and throughout the Greater Houston Area. Call to schedule a free consultation today: (281) 805-2220
