Getting arrested is a terrifying process, especially when you have no idea how the justice system works. If your child is being detained for a serious crime, you might have hundreds of questions racing through your mind right now. Will your child get charged as a minor or as an adult? Who do you contact for help? How long will this process take? A-EZ Out Bail Bonds is here to help give you some clarity and help. A minority can be tried as an adult in Texas depending on the details of the charge. We will go over these details and what you can do to give your child the best support possible.
Two Separate Courts
Texas has two separate courts—the juvenile and adult courts. Minors from the age of 10-17 will be tried as a juvenile, and once they are 18 they will be tried as an adult. However, these age restrictions are not set in stone. If your child is 14 or older, they can be tried as an adult if their crime is severe enough to warrant it.
Transfer Hearing
A transfer hearing is when the Texas juvenile court waives its right to the minor’s case, and the child is transferred to stand trial at an adult criminal district court. If a 14-year-old is facing a criminal felony, aggravated controlled substance felony, or a first-degree felony charge, then their case may be transferred. However, if the child is 15 years of age, a second-third degree or state jail felony can get them transferred to the adult court.
One and Done…Not with the Court
If a minor has already been transferred to an adult court, any subsequent felonies, regardless of his or her age, must be tried in the adult court system. So, once you are tried as an adult, you will continue to be tried as an adult even if you are still a minor.
And a minor faces the same consequences as an adult, aside from the mandatory life sentence and death penalty without the possibility of parole.
What Factors Are Considered Before Getting Transferred?
The court looks at a number of details before transferring a case to the adult court. The following factors include:
- Maturity of sophistication of the child
- Previous criminal record
- Impending danger child poses to the public
- Child’s likelihood of rehabilitation with the resources that the juvenile court provides
Get in Touch With A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
If your child is currently detained in Dallas, or surrounding areas, give our bondsmen a call immediately. A-EZ Out Bail Bonds can grant your child a speedy release, so you can have the ability to help them find the most qualified lawyer around. Your child will have the opportunity to build their defense team and spend some time with you before their trial. Our bondsmen keep all information confidential and we will help you and your child get through the bail process. We are here to answer any questions about the court system and to help you get your child back home quickly before their big trial date.