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Facing Juvenile Charges?
Protect Your Freedom
Before Time Runs Out.

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

  • 5 Stars in making me feel like a top priority!

    “Jarrod Smith of Smith and Vinson Law Firm provided me with the best service I could have possibly asked for. 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 in providing me the most support and information on how to best handle my case. I'd recommend this firm to anyone seeking help with a traffic violation of any kind. I feel that if it weren't for them I would have been heavily misguided and probably would not have made it through the system with the best possible outcome for me. 5 Stars for their service, generosity, and in making me feel like a top priority!”

    Andrew

  • Awesome communication

    “They handle my case incredibly well and warned me on the possible negative outcomes, overall completely satisfied me through the whole process. ”

    Elmer Marqueiz

  • Professional representation at its best!

    “I am grateful for the representation both men have provided me and without hesitation, I would speak volumes of their service. Thank you so much!”

    Victor

  • Exceptionally versed in the intricacies of Texas criminal law

    “Having never been exposed to the criminal system, hiring an attorney was daunting task. 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. Ultiamtely, Mr. Vinson was able to negotiate a reasonable settlement dispite many hoops and hurdles presented by the prosecuting county. I would highly recommend Smith and Vinson for representation in a criminal matter.”

    Michael

  • He's a real lawyer!

    “A civil issue arose in Austin with a family member. We sought the advice of a well named Austin attorney. This unnamed attorney provided egregious legal advice. In court, a lifetime civil injunction was ruled by the judge on this non-criminal civil issue. Once learning of this judgement we immediately started looking for another attorney and found Brad Vinson, with Smith and Vinson. Simply put, Brad had this entire debacle reversed and a new judgement set for what is customarily ruled in similar cases. It didn't take long either. I only wish we had called Brad first. He's a real lawyer!”

    David

  • Top Attorney Avvo Rating 10.0
  • Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Avvo 10.0 Rating
  • Texas Bar College
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • Avvo 5 Star Reviews
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award

WHY HIRE US?

  • We are accessible to you. Our attorneys can be reached 24/7.
  • Bold and fearless defense are what we are known for.
  • Turn to us for straightforward legal advice when you need it.
  • We offer free consultations to every single client served.