Alternatives To Prosecution
In most juvenile jurisdictions in North Texas, an alternative to being prosecuted can be worked out between the prosecutor, judge and probation department. These types of programs differ county by county but are generally similar. They usually are appropriate when a child has been charged with his or her first offense, usually a misdemeanor, and has no other criminal history eligible for consideration.
Details Of Juvenile Prosecution Alternatives In Dallas, Texas
These programs are not automatic. There is no program that is guaranteed for first-time juvenile offenders. In all jurisdictions, alternatives to prosecution are offered on a case-by-case basis. The process generally starts with an attorney getting involved to avoid a petition that a child has engaged in delinquent conduct.
These agreements often require your child to abide by a curfew, stay out of trouble, complete community service work and attend school without unexcused absences. The child must attend assigned case-specific programs such as antidrug education class, alcohol counseling, antitheft class, anger management, etc. The term for these agreements is usually 6-12 months.
Once successful, the agreement calls for all charges against your child to be dropped and/or dismissed. He or she will not face formal sentencing under the progressive guidelines sanctions and will not have a juvenile criminal record. In most cases, a child’s records are eligible to be sealed immediately.
Experience Obtaining Alternatives To Prosecution For Juveniles
J. Michael Price II has devoted his career exclusively to juvenile and criminal defense and been named in Texas Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters service, from 2005-2018, as published in Texas Monthly Magazine. As one of only five attorneys in the Dallas, Collin and Denton County area Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, Mr. Price has a reputation among his colleagues for the quality of his work and his personal dedication to his clients, especially children.
We put more than 15 years of proven success behind your child’s case and have secured alternatives to prosecution for a many of our minor clients. Attorneys who are not experienced in Texas juvenile courts often do not even know these alternatives exist.
Call Today For A No-Cost Consultation
We put a special emphasis on cases for our juvenile clients. Recognized by organizations including Martindale-Hubbell, and being named in Texas Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters service, from 2005-2018, as published in Texas Monthly Magazine, we stand ready to provide reliable and effective representation for all juvenile crimes. Contact our office today or call us directly at 214-765-8000 to schedule an initial consultation.
