San Antonio Juvenile Defense Attorneys
Protecting Your Child’s Freedom & Future
Has your son or daughter been arrested for a criminal offense? This is every parent’s nightmare and can lead to ongoing family anxiety about what will happen next and how it will affect your child’s future. If you are facing this situation, our legal team can help.
At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we are here to provide competent and caring legal assistance to ensure that your child is treated fairly throughout the entire juvenile criminal process. Our aim is to provide the highest-quality legal representation and, when it comes to minors, we know how important that is for your child’s future. We always work aggressively to seek a favorable resolution.
Get the legal help you need by contacting us at (210) 960-9557 today.
Juvenile Offenses in Texas
It is important to remember that, in the juvenile justice system, rehabilitation is preferred over punishment. However, as in all criminal cases, the consequences are generally based on the nature of the offense.
In this system, a juvenile offense refers to any crime committed by a minor between the ages of 10 and 16. In the case of a minor offense, a child will often receive only a warning. In some cases, however, the child’s case may be turned over to a probation officer. For offenses of a more serious nature, actual criminal charges may be filed against the child by the district attorney.
Your Child Has Rights
When a minor is taken into custody, it must be reported to the child’s parents. The child is then given the opportunity to make two phone calls to parents or guardians. Just as in the case of adults, minors are protected by Constitutional rights. These rights include the right to remain silent.
Parents’ Rights
It is your right as a parent to visit your son or daughter once he or she is placed in a juvenile facility. You are allowed to have a private conversation and you must be informed about any proceedings that may follow regarding your child’s case.
The Delinquency Petition
The majority of juvenile cases are conducted through what is called the delinquency petition. A hearing will be held in which a juvenile judge will determine the innocence or guilt of your child’s actions. Should the judge conclude that your child actually committed the offense for which he or she has been accused, the judge will then make an adjudication about how best to sentence the child.
Certification as an Adult
A child may be tried as an adult he if or she:
- Is 14 or older
- Committed a particularly serious crime
- Has a history of juvenile crimes
A hearing before a judge will be held to determine if, in the best interests of justice, the child should be tried as an adult. After a full investigation into the child’s case, the judge will issue a certification as an adult only in instances where it is found necessary.
San Antonio Juvenile Crime Lawyers
Smith & Vinson Law Firm always takes juvenile charges seriously. We are fearless fighters when it comes to protecting a child's constitutional rights. If your child is in trouble, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the situation. We will always help you seek a favorable resolution for your child’s case.
Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. Call us at (210) 960-9557.
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Endorsers
Hear What They Have to Say
-
Attorney Brad Vinson was informative, professional yet sympathetic with his approach to my case. Mr. Vinson was open to opinion and ensured that all legal avenues were considered and addressed before presenting a course of action.- Michael
-
Having no background in law and finding myself in a situation that left me feeling extremely vulnerable, I felt quickly at ease in their care. They were very reasonable with my situation and helped work around my needs by providing me with the most support- Andrew
-
They handled my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process.- Elmer Marqueiz
-
Very professional, on time and educates you along the whole process. I had a lot to lose and you guys gave it all back to me and finally represented what true Justice is here in America.- Manuel R.
A Proven Track Record
Check Out Our Recent Case Results
-
Charges Dismissed Assault Bodily Injury Family Violence
Our client was unfortunately in a bad relationship that was ending but before the end her boyfriend decided he was going to secure some property that didn’t belong to him. This led to an argument and for Police to ultimately be called. Our client didn’t want anyone to end up in jail so she downplayed the pushing that had been going on only to realize that the boyfriend had saved his own skin.
-
No Charges Filed Sexual Assault Investigation
Our client was a UT student who was accused of sexual assault. He came to our firm extremely scared about his future both with the university and within the criminal justice system. With our firm's help, he was able to show that his accuser was not credible. Smith and Vinson put together a defense that law enforcement recognized as credible evidence of his innocence and not to file charges which changed the course of our client's life.
-
No Charges Filed Sexual Assault Investigation
Our client was a UT student who was accused of sexual assault. He came to our firm extremely scared about his future both with the university and within the criminal justice system. With our firm's help, he was able to show that his accuser was not credible. Smith and Vinson put together a defense that law enforcement recognized as credible evidence of his innocence and not to file charges which changed the course of our client's life.
-
Dismissed Intoxication Assault
Our client had allegedly been drinking with friends after work. He woke up in the hospital after an accident that severely injured another person. We fought for our client in our negotiations with the prosecutor on his felony Intoxicated Assault charge and worked with the injured party’s insurance company on a plan to compensate her for her injuries. The felony was ultimately dismissed and reduced to a misdemeanor DWI charge.
-
Dismissed Assault Family Violence Domestic Violence
Our client received an arrest warrant for an alleged assault on his brother’s girlfriend. He needed the warrant cleared so that he could be considered for a job he was applying for.