Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer

What Does Our Houston Juvenile Defense Lawyer Do?

Our Houston juvenile defense lawyer protects children and teenagers facing criminal charges in Harris County’s juvenile justice system. Unlike adult courts that focus on punishment, Texas juvenile courts prioritize rehabilitation, giving young people a genuine chance to move forward without a criminal record defining their future. At Varghese Summersett, our juvenile defense attorneys fight to keep your child’s future open through dismissals, diversion programs, and records sealing.

The stakes in juvenile cases are high. A criminal record can affect college admissions, scholarship eligibility, military service, and employment opportunities for years to come. Our team includes attorneys board-certified in juvenile law who understand both the legal process and what your family is going through. We serve families throughout the Houston metropolitan area, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, and surrounding communities.

How Does the Texas Juvenile Justice System Work?

The Texas juvenile justice system operates under Title 3 of the Texas Family Code, which governs all proceedings involving children ages 10 to 16 (or up to 17 for certain offenses). The system’s foundation is rehabilitation rather than punishment. Judges have broad discretion to craft individualized responses that address the underlying issues contributing to a young person’s behavior.

This rehabilitation focus creates opportunities that don’t exist in adult court. Prosecutors and judges regularly agree to counseling, community service, or deferred prosecution programs that result in no formal adjudication. When cases are handled correctly from the start, many juvenile charges can be resolved without your child ever being formally found “delinquent” (the juvenile equivalent of guilty).

Our firm has helped families across Texas protect their children’s futures. In a recent case, our attorneys secured acceptance into a deferred prosecution program for a juvenile facing felony drug possession charges. Upon successful completion, the case qualified for records sealing, leaving no public trace of the incident.

Note: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.

What Is Our Approach to Juvenile Defense in Houston?

Every juvenile case demands a defense strategy tailored to that specific child and family. When parents contact us worried about their child’s future, we start with a thorough evaluation of the circumstances. This includes examining the evidence, understanding your child’s background and academic situation, and identifying realistic alternatives to formal adjudication.

Our attorneys work directly with prosecutors, juvenile probation officers, and judges to advocate for solutions that address root causes. A teenager struggling with substance use needs treatment, not detention. A first-time offender who made a poor decision under peer pressure deserves a second chance through diversion. We fight for outcomes that hold young people accountable while preserving their opportunities.

The difference between a skilled juvenile defense attorney and someone unfamiliar with this specialized area can determine whether your child emerges with a clean record or faces lasting consequences. That’s why our juvenile defense team is led by attorneys with board certifications and decades of experience in Texas juvenile courts.

What Juvenile Offenses Does Your Houston Team Handle?

Our Houston juvenile defense attorneys handle every type of charge that can bring a young person into the juvenile justice system. The defense approach varies significantly based on the offense category, the evidence involved, and your child’s history. Here are the cases we defend most frequently:

Drug-Related Offenses

Drug charges represent a significant portion of juvenile cases in Houston. The consequences depend on the substance involved, the quantity, and whether the offense occurred near a school. Our team pursues alternatives like drug education programs, deferred prosecution, or treatment-focused probation. For cases involving marijuana possession or controlled substances, early intervention often leads to dismissal after program completion.

Property Crimes

Many property offenses arise from peer pressure or impulsive decisions rather than criminal intent. We regularly defend juveniles facing shoplifting charges, criminal mischief, burglary of vehicles, criminal trespass, and graffiti allegations. These cases often qualify for first offender programs or restitution agreements that avoid formal adjudication.

School-Related Offenses

When school discipline intersects with criminal charges, families face a complicated situation requiring immediate attention. We defend cases involving disruption of school activities, threats, fighting on school grounds, possession of prohibited items, and truancy-related charges. Coordination between school administrators, prosecutors, and defense counsel is essential to achieving the best outcome.

Violent Offenses

Assault charges, fighting, robbery, and weapons offenses demand aggressive intervention from day one. These cases carry the possibility of certification to adult court for older juveniles facing serious allegations. Our attorneys have the trial experience to defend these cases while also exploring every avenue for resolution in juvenile court where rehabilitation remains the priority.

Technology-Related Offenses

Modern technology has created new categories of juvenile offenses that many attorneys don’t fully understand. We defend cyberbullying cases, online harassment, sexting-related charges, and computer crimes. The technical aspects of these cases often present defense opportunities that less experienced lawyers miss.

Alcohol and Driving Offenses

Juvenile DWI cases require particularly careful handling. Beyond immediate consequences like license suspension and potential detention, these charges can derail college plans and career opportunities. Texas has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can result in charges. Our attorneys work to protect both driving privileges and long-term prospects through counseling programs and strategic negotiations.

Talk to a juvenile defense lawyer before your child speaks to anyone. The first conversations with police and prosecutors shape everything that follows. Call (281) 805-2220 for a free consultation.

What Happens After a Juvenile Is Found Delinquent in Texas?

If a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent (the juvenile system’s equivalent of being found guilty), the judge has significant discretion in determining the appropriate response. Texas law provides multiple disposition options, and experienced defense counsel can influence which path the court chooses. Understanding these possibilities helps families prepare for what lies ahead.

Supervisory Caution and Counseling

For appropriate cases, we negotiate for supervisory caution as an initial intervention. This involves structured counseling through the probation department combined with family support services. First-time offenders often benefit most from this approach, which addresses underlying issues without creating a formal record.

Deferred Prosecution

Deferred prosecution offers a path forward without formal adjudication. During this voluntary probation period (typically six months), your child must meet specific requirements including regular check-ins, counseling sessions, and sometimes community service. Successful completion means no finding of delinquency and eligibility for immediate records sealing.

Probation with Specialized Conditions

When circumstances require more oversight, we work to structure probation terms that balance accountability with opportunity. This might include placement at home under parental supervision, specialized educational programs, or therapeutic interventions. The conditions should promote positive growth while protecting your child’s constitutional rights.

Restitution and Community Service

Cases involving property damage or loss often include restitution as part of the disposition. We help arrange manageable payment plans that satisfy court requirements while considering your family’s financial situation. Community service opportunities can provide meaningful learning experiences rather than mere punishment.

Rehabilitation Programs

For cases involving substance use or behavioral issues, placement in a treatment program may be appropriate. Our firm maintains relationships with respected treatment providers throughout Houston. These connections allow us to recommend programs that address specific needs while satisfying court requirements.

What Is the Juvenile Justice Process in Harris County?

Knowing what to expect helps families make informed decisions and participate actively in their child’s defense. Here’s what happens when a juvenile enters the system in Houston and Harris County:

Initial Detention and Intake

When law enforcement takes a juvenile into custody, they must immediately notify parents and the juvenile probation department. The intake process determines whether to release your child to parental custody or hold them in detention. Having an attorney involved at this stage can make the difference between your child coming home or spending days in detention awaiting a hearing.

Detention Hearing

If your child is detained, a detention hearing must occur within two working days. Our attorneys present evidence showing why release is appropriate and propose supervision plans addressing the court’s concerns. These hearings can repeat every 10 days if detention continues, creating multiple opportunities to secure release.

Harris County Juvenile Detention Center

The Harris County Juvenile Detention Center is located at 1200 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002. If your child is being held there, contact us immediately. Every hour in detention is an hour too long when alternatives exist.

Prosecutorial Review

The District Attorney’s office reviews each case to determine whether to proceed with formal charges. During this phase, we present mitigating evidence and negotiate alternatives to prosecution. Early intervention by experienced defense counsel often results in cases being diverted from the system entirely.

Petition Filing

If prosecutors decide to proceed, they file a petition (similar to a criminal complaint in adult court). We review this document carefully for legal sufficiency and begin building the defense strategy. This might include challenging evidence, investigating circumstances, or negotiating for reduced charges.

Adjudication Hearing

The adjudication hearing functions similarly to a trial. Juveniles have the right to a jury trial only in certain circumstances. Whether presenting to a judge or jury, our team prepares thoroughly, focusing on both legal defenses and factors supporting rehabilitation over punishment.

Disposition Hearing

If your child is adjudicated delinquent, a separate disposition hearing determines consequences. We present evidence about character, family support, school performance, and rehabilitation potential. This hearing determines whether your child receives probation, treatment program placement, or commitment to a juvenile facility.

What Happens After Disposition?

After the court orders a disposition, we continue advocating for your child through probation compliance monitoring, requests for modified conditions, motions for early termination, responses to any violations, and pursuing records sealing when eligible. Our goal is always protecting your child’s future opportunities by removing these records from public view as soon as possible.

Don’t wait to get legal help. Early intervention produces better outcomes. Call (281) 805-2220 to schedule a free consultation with a Houston juvenile defense lawyer.

Why Choose Varghese Summersett for Juvenile Defense?

Effective juvenile defense requires more than legal knowledge. It demands understanding of child development, family dynamics, and available community resources. Our firm brings all of these elements together.

Our juvenile defense team is led by attorneys with specialized credentials in juvenile law. We maintain relationships with counselors, educational specialists, treatment providers, and other professionals throughout Houston. These connections allow us to build defense strategies that address both legal and developmental needs.

The results speak for themselves. Our firm has secured over 1,600 dismissals and more than 800 charge reductions across all practice areas. We have the trial experience to take cases to hearing when necessary and the negotiation skills to achieve favorable resolutions when appropriate.

Watch: Inside Juvenile Detention

What Should You Do After a Juvenile Arrest in Houston?

The hours immediately following a juvenile arrest are critical. Parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure about next steps. Here’s what you need to know:

First, exercise your child’s right to remain silent. Instruct them not to discuss the allegations with anyone except their attorney. Statements made to police, school officials, or even other detained juveniles can be used against your child later.

Second, contact a juvenile defense attorney immediately. Early involvement allows us to intervene before damaging decisions are made. We can attend intake interviews, argue for release at detention hearings, and begin building the defense before prosecutors solidify their case.

Third, gather information about your child’s circumstances. School records, counseling history, extracurricular activities, and character references all become relevant as we develop the defense strategy and argue for favorable dispositions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Juvenile Defense

Can juvenile records be sealed in Texas?

Yes. Texas law allows sealing of juvenile records once certain conditions are met. The timing depends on the disposition and offense type. Some records can be sealed immediately after successful completion of deferred prosecution. Others require waiting periods of two years or more. Our attorneys pursue records sealing aggressively to protect your child’s future opportunities.

Can a juvenile be tried as an adult in Texas?

Yes, through a process called certification. For certain serious offenses, prosecutors can request that a juvenile age 14 or older be transferred to adult court. This decision has profound consequences. Adult convictions carry longer sentences, no possibility of sealing records, and lifelong collateral consequences. Fighting certification requires experienced defense counsel who understands both systems.

What rights do parents have in juvenile proceedings?

Parents have the right to be present at all hearings, receive notice of proceedings, participate in disposition planning, and access their child’s records. Parents also have obligations, including ensuring their child’s attendance at hearings and compliance with court orders. Understanding both rights and responsibilities helps families work effectively with defense counsel.

How long can a juvenile be detained in Texas?

Detention before adjudication is limited. The initial detention hearing must occur within two working days. If detention continues, review hearings occur every 10 days. After adjudication, commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department can extend until age 19 for indeterminate sentences or longer for determinate sentences on serious offenses.

Will a juvenile offense appear on background checks?

Unsealed juvenile records can appear on background checks and affect college admissions, employment, military service, and professional licensing. Sealed records are not accessible to most employers and institutions. This is why pursuing records sealing is so important for protecting your child’s future.

Contact Our Houston Juvenile Defense Team Today

If your child faces criminal charges in Houston, time matters. Contact Varghese Summersett today to speak with an experienced juvenile defense attorney. We serve families throughout the Houston metropolitan area with offices equipped to handle cases in Harris County, Fort Bend County, and surrounding jurisdictions.

Understanding that every family’s situation is unique, we offer free consultations to discuss your child’s case and explore available legal options. Our team is ready to help you through this challenging time with the skill, experience, and compassion your family deserves. Call (281) 805-2220 now.