Alleged crimes involving juveniles in Texas are regulated by the Texas Family Code instead of the Texas Penal Code, which governs adult criminal violations. Texas Family Code § 51.02 defines a child as being a person who is 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age, or 17 years of age or older and under 18 years of age who is alleged or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a result of acts committed before becoming 17 years of age.
While juveniles in Collin County often have certain programs or alternative sentences that allow them to receive sentences that focus more on rehabilitation than punishment, an adjudication of guilt can lead to a minor having a criminal record that carries other long-term consequences. If an alleged juvenile offender is accused of committing a certain kind of felony offense, the prosecutor may attempt to have that child tried as an adult.
Were you or your child recently detained for any kind of alleged juvenile crime in Collin County? Do not assume that a prosecutor will not take the case seriously. Contact Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy for help achieving the most favorable outcome to your case.
Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Plano who represent alleged juvenile offenders in communities all over Collin County, including Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Allen, and many others. They can review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (469) 304-3422 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Juveniles may be taken into custody for any one of a number of violations of state law in Texas. A few of the most common kinds of alleged offenses that children may be charged with in Collin County include, but are not limited to:
Juvenile courts in Texas have exclusive original jurisdiction over minors engaging in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision (CINS) when children are 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age. Texas Family Code § 51.03(a) defines delinquent conduct as:
CINS is defined under Texas Family Code § 51.03(b) as:
While many cases involving alleged juvenile offenders are handled in juvenile courts, the county can request to have a youth certified as an adult. Under Texas Family Code § 54.02(a), a juvenile court can waive its exclusive original jurisdiction and transfer a minor to the appropriate district court or criminal district court for if:
Juvenile courts are required to conduct hearings without juries to consider the transfer of a child for criminal proceedings, and they must order and obtain a complete diagnostic study, social evaluation, and full investigation of the minor, his or her circumstances, and the circumstances of the alleged offense. Some of the factors that the court must consider under Texas Family Code § 54.02(f) when making its determination include:
Juvenile Probation Services | Collin County — On this website, you can learn more about the Collin County Juvenile Probation Department. Find information about intake, detention, and deferred prosecution. You can also read about the Pre-Adjudication Program of the John R. Roach Detention Center and the Long-Term Unit of the Collin County Juvenile Detention Center.
Collin County Juvenile Probation Services
4690 Community Ave.
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-6470
Juvenile Information | Plano, TX — Visit this section of the City of Plano website to find information about juvenile cases. You can find links to learn more about deferred disposition, driving safety course, and teen court. Juveniles 16 years of age or younger who were charged with offenses filed in the City of Plano Municipal Court must wear appropriate attire in the court room (no shorts of any kind) or a notice will be sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety to suspend a driver's license or to prohibit a juvenile from obtaining one.
Plano Municipal Court
900 E. 15th St.
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 941-2199
If you or your child were recently detained anywhere in Collin County for an alleged juvenile crime, it is in your best interest to make sure that you have legal representation. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defends alleged juvenile offenders in McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, and many surrounding areas of Collin County.
Plano criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (469) 304-3422 or submit an online contact form to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.