Amarillo Juvenile Attorney

When your child is accused of a crime, it can throw your entire family into upheaval. It can be an extremely stressful time for both you and your child. You may have many questions that need answered.

• What are the consequences of this accusation?

• Will this crime require my child to spend time in a juvenile detention facility?
  
  
• How will this affect his or her education?
  
  
• How could this affect his future?
  

The expert Amarillo juvenile defense attorney at The Warner Law Firm have successfully represented hundreds of juvenile offenses, and know what how to properly answer these questions and more. Your family needs a sensitive, experienced, aggressive, and knowledgeable partner to navigate through what can often be a difficult and complex case.

It is estimated that nearly 16% of Texas arrests involve a juvenile. While each case involving a minor is unique, some common offenses involving children and teenagers include:

• Underage drinking

• Drug use and possession

• Breaking and entering (including buildings that have been abandoned)

• Vandalism (including graffiti)



• Vehicular offenses, including “joy riding,” and driving without a license

In most cases, if your child has yet to reach the age of 18, they will be tried as a minor, which carried different penalties than an adult committing the same crime. Exceptions to this rule include very serious offenses such as rape, kidnapping, and murder. The Texas juvenile system has some similarities to the adult courts, though regulations, rules, and proceedings can be vastly different. While the adult system tends to focus on punishment and incarceration, the juvenile system tends to focus on rehabilitation.

It is important to remember that a child who is charged with a crime is still an American citizen, and thus is protected by the same constitutional rights as an adult. If your child is arrested, it is important that they understand these rights, including:

• Refusal to answer questions without an attorney present

• Cooperation with law enforcement, without volunteering incriminating information



• The right to refuse search without a proper warrant

Juvenile Criminal Representation from The Warner Law Firm

The expert juvenile defense attorney at The Warner Law Firm are experienced and knowledgeable in defending the rights of children and teenagers accused of crimes. If your child has been accused of a crime, you need to partner with someone who understands the juvenile system. Contact our Amarillo offices today for a no-risk evaluation of your case.