Dallas County Juvenile Defense Lawyer | Lisa Herrick

If your child has been accused of a crime in Dallas County, their future hangs in the balance. The juvenile justice system moves fast, and the decisions made in the coming days could affect your child for years. At Varghese Summersett, Lisa Herrick, a board-certified juvenile law specialist, has dedicated her career to protecting minors facing serious allegations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Dallas County Juvenile defense lawyer Lisa Herrick is one of only a handful of attorneys in Texas who holds board certification in juvenile law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This credential means she has met rigorous standards of experience, education, and peer review in this highly specialized field. When your child’s freedom and future are at stake, board certification matters.

Why Board Certification in Juvenile Law Matters

The Texas juvenile justice system operates under completely different rules than adult criminal courts. The terminology is different. The procedures are different. The potential outcomes are different. Most criminal defense attorneys rarely step foot in juvenile court, and this lack of experience can have devastating consequences for young clients.

Board certification in juvenile law requires an attorney to demonstrate substantial experience handling juvenile cases, pass a rigorous examination, and maintain ongoing education in juvenile-specific issues. Lisa Herrick earned this distinction because juvenile defense is not a side practice for her. It is her primary focus.

Juvenile cases processed through Dallas County are heard at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center on Stemmons Freeway. This facility houses the Dallas County Juvenile Court, detention services, and probation offices. Lisa Herrick knows this courthouse, knows the prosecutors who work there, and knows how to position cases for the best possible outcomes.

How the Texas Juvenile System Differs From Adult Court

Under Texas Family Code § 51.02, a child is defined as a person who is ten years of age or older and under seventeen years of age. The juvenile system is designed with rehabilitation in mind rather than punishment. However, this does not mean the consequences are light. Juveniles can be placed on probation, sent to residential facilities, or in serious cases, committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for years.

The juvenile intake process begins when a young person is referred to the juvenile probation department, typically by law enforcement. From there, a probation officer decides whether to handle the matter informally, refer it for prosecution, or recommend detention. Having an experienced juvenile defense attorney involved from the earliest stage can dramatically change the trajectory of a case.

If you’ve just learned your child is under investigation or has been taken into custody, don’t wait. Protect your child’s rights and their record by calling our Dallas office for a free consultation at (214) 903-4000.

Juvenile Charges Lisa Herrick Handles in Dallas County

Lisa Herrick defends minors accused of offenses ranging from school-related incidents to serious felonies. Her practice covers the full spectrum of juvenile allegations, including assault, theft and shoplifting, drug possession, weapons offenses, property crimes, robbery and aggravated robbery, sexual offenses, evading arrest, and organized crime charges.

Regardless of the offense category, the goal is always the same: protect the child’s future by pursuing the best possible outcome. Sometimes that means fighting for a dismissal. Sometimes it means negotiating a resolution that keeps the child out of detention and preserves their eligibility for records sealing. The right strategy depends on the specific facts of each case.

Real Results in Juvenile Cases

Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. However, the following examples illustrate the kinds of results Lisa Herrick has achieved for juvenile clients.

In one Denton County juvenile case, a teenager faced three separate charges: engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest, and burglary of a motor vehicle. Lisa Herrick negotiated a resolution where the organized crime charge was non-suited (dismissed by the prosecution), and the client received 15 months of probation on the remaining charges rather than commitment to a state facility.

In another case involving assault on a public servant, Lisa intervened before charges were even filed. By presenting mitigating factors and case arguments to the prosecutor at the intake stage, she secured a supervisory caution rather than formal charges. The juvenile avoided prosecution entirely.

In a possession of child pornography case, Lisa Herrick secured a complete dismissal of charges. Cases involving allegations of this nature carry extreme stigma and severe collateral consequences, making dismissal an extraordinary result.

Lisa has also successfully obtained records sealing for numerous juvenile clients, ensuring that youthful mistakes do not follow them into adulthood.

The Juvenile Court Process in Dallas County

Understanding what happens after a juvenile is accused of an offense can help families prepare for what lies ahead. The process typically unfolds in several stages.

Intake and Detention Decisions

When a minor is referred to the Dallas County Juvenile Department, an intake officer reviews the case and decides whether the juvenile should be detained or released to their parents. Under Texas Family Code § 54.01, a detention hearing must be held within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) if the child is held in custody. Lisa Herrick frequently appears at these hearings to argue for release.

Petition Filing

If the prosecutor decides to move forward, they file a petition alleging that the juvenile engaged in delinquent conduct. This petition is not called an indictment or information as it would be in adult court. The language reflects the rehabilitative focus of the juvenile system.

Adjudication Hearing

The adjudication hearing is the juvenile equivalent of a trial. The judge (or in some cases, a jury) determines whether the juvenile engaged in the alleged conduct. If the finding is “true,” the case moves to disposition. If the finding is “not true,” the case is dismissed.

Disposition Hearing

Under Texas Family Code § 54.04, the disposition hearing determines what happens next. Options include probation (either at home or in a placement facility), commitment to TJJD, or in some cases, deferred prosecution. Lisa Herrick advocates aggressively for dispositions that prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration.

Have questions about what happens next in your child’s case? Talk to a lawyer before making any decisions. Call (214) 903-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

Certification to Adult Court: The Most Serious Threat

In certain cases, prosecutors may seek to have a juvenile “certified” to stand trial as an adult. Under Texas Family Code § 54.02, certification is possible when a juvenile is at least 14 years old at the time of the offense and is accused of a felony. For capital felonies, first-degree felonies, and aggravated controlled substance offenses, certification can be sought for children as young as 14. For other felonies, the child must be at least 15.

If a juvenile is certified to adult court, they face adult penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. They lose the protections of the juvenile system, including automatic records sealing. Fighting certification requires demonstrating to the court that the juvenile is amenable to treatment within the juvenile system and that public safety can be protected without transfer to adult court.

Lisa Herrick has extensive experience defending against certification attempts. Her board certification in juvenile law gives her the specialized knowledge needed to present the strongest possible case for keeping a young client in the juvenile system.

Protecting Your Child’s Record

One of the most valuable aspects of the juvenile system is the possibility of records sealing. Unlike adult criminal records, juvenile records can often be sealed, making them invisible to most background checks. This protection helps young people move forward without having adolescent mistakes follow them to college applications, job interviews, or military enlistment.

Under Texas Family Code § 58.003, records sealing is available in many situations, but it is not automatic. The rules depend on the type of offense, the disposition, and whether the juvenile completes any required probation. Some offenses, particularly serious felonies and sex offenses, have significant restrictions on sealing.

Lisa Herrick makes records sealing a priority in every case she handles. Even when negotiating pleas, she considers how the disposition will affect the client’s eligibility for sealing down the road.

Diversion Programs and Alternative Resolutions

Not every juvenile case needs to go to trial. In many situations, the best outcome comes from deferred prosecution, diversion programs, or informal resolutions that keep the matter out of court entirely.

Dallas County offers several diversion options for eligible juveniles, including first offender programs that can result in dismissal upon successful completion. Lisa Herrick works to identify which clients are candidates for these programs and advocates for their acceptance.

In some cases, she intervenes even before charges are filed. By presenting evidence, character references, and mitigating circumstances to prosecutors at the intake stage, she has repeatedly prevented charges from ever being filed. This pre-filing advocacy is one of the most valuable services a juvenile defense attorney can provide.

What Parents Should Know

If your child has been accused of a crime, here are some things to keep in mind. First, do not allow your child to speak with police or investigators without an attorney present. Even well-intentioned conversations can damage a case. Under the right to a juvenile attorney, your child has constitutional protections against self-incrimination.

Second, act quickly. Juvenile cases move faster than adult cases. Detention decisions happen within 48 hours. Intake decisions happen within days. The earlier an attorney gets involved, the more options are available.

Third, gather information. Write down everything you know about the incident, the names of any witnesses, and any communications you’ve had with police or school officials. This information will be valuable to your attorney.

Finally, don’t assume the worst. Many juvenile cases result in dismissals, diversions, or minimal consequences when handled properly. The punishment range for juveniles varies widely depending on the offense and circumstances, and skilled advocacy can make all the difference.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett is one of the largest criminal defense firms in Texas, with more than 70 team members across offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake. Our attorneys have secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across all practice areas. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, these numbers reflect our commitment to fighting for our clients.

When you hire Lisa Herrick for your child’s juvenile case, you get the benefit of her board-certified expertise combined with the resources of a full-service criminal defense firm. Our team includes former prosecutors, investigators, and support staff who work together to build the strongest possible defense.

We understand how frightening it is when your child faces criminal allegations. We communicate clearly, return calls promptly, and keep you informed at every stage of the process. Your child’s future matters to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a juvenile is arrested in Dallas County?

The juvenile is typically transported to the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, where intake staff determine whether to detain the child or release them to a parent. If detained, a detention hearing must occur within 48 hours. An attorney can argue for release at this hearing.

Can a juvenile go to prison in Texas?

Juveniles are not sentenced to adult prison unless they are certified to stand trial as an adult. However, they can be committed to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for periods that can last until their 19th birthday (or longer in determinate sentence cases). TJJD commitment is essentially incarceration in a state facility for juveniles.

Will my child have a criminal record?

Juvenile records are separate from adult criminal records and can often be sealed. However, sealing is not automatic. The availability of sealing depends on the offense, the disposition, and completion of any court-ordered requirements. An experienced juvenile attorney can advise on records implications throughout the case.

What is the difference between deferred prosecution and probation?

Deferred prosecution means the prosecutor agrees to hold off on filing formal charges while the juvenile completes certain requirements. If successful, no charges are ever filed. Probation occurs after adjudication (a finding that the juvenile engaged in delinquent conduct) and requires supervision by the probation department.

How do I know if my child needs a board-certified juvenile attorney?

If your child faces any allegation that could result in adjudication, probation, placement, or commitment, having a board-certified juvenile attorney significantly improves the odds of a favorable outcome. Board certification indicates an attorney has met the highest standards of experience and knowledge in juvenile law.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Your child deserves a defender who knows juvenile law inside and out. Lisa Herrick has the board certification, the courtroom experience, and the dedication to fight for young people facing serious allegations. If your child has been accused of any offense in Dallas County or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call Varghese Summersett today at (214) 903-4000 to schedule a free consultation. Every second counts when your child’s future is on the line.