Kids are doing crazier stuff every day. Your teen facing a juvenile arrest isn’t all that likely. Whether it’s for Tik Tok, a teenage rebellion, or they’re just showing off for their friends some harmless goofs and gaffs can turn into a criminal record pretty quickly. While most juvenile records are sealed or expunged once a minor reaches adulthood, it can still make your heart plummet when your kid uses their one phone call and tells you they’re currently behind bars. Thoughts about “What do I do? What’s next? What does a juvenile arrest mean for my kid’s future?” will spin out of control in your mind. While we can’t tell you what the future holds or how this will affect your child’s prospects, we can give you some insights into your next steps. But rest assured, the court will likely release your child into your care and then you can tackle the upcoming hearings together.
Texas’ Juvenile Court Process
The booking process for adults and minors is fairly similar. Once your child is picked up by the police booked, they’ll stay in holding until a legal guardian comes to collect them. Generally, they won’t be held in jail unless no one comes for them or they’re being charged with a violent crime. Then, they’d be taken to a local juvenile detention facility. Read more about the Texas court process here.
What Happens After a Juvenile Arrest
The next steps can feel like a whirlwind. Your son or daughter will need to appear at several hearings prior to their trial. The initial hearing determines if it’s in everyone’s best interest to release a child to their parent or guardian. At the following hearings, you can expect to discuss things like probation, evidence, and any information about the ongoing investigation.
Texas First Offender Program
The Texas court system doesn’t want to devastate any child’s future. Especially if they just made a stupid mistake. Instead, they focus on rehabilitation. That’s why your child may be referred to a special program which may include community service, a class, rehab, or paying restitution to the victim of their crime. Once your child completes this program, the charges may be dropped completely and their criminal record will be scrubbed.
Juvenile Arrest Detention Hearing
If your child is transported to juvie, Texas law dictates that there must be a new detention hearing every 10 days. The court may have previously decided not to release your child into your care, but the judge can change their order at this time.
Transfer Hearing
This may be your first real cause for concern. Depending on the charges against your teen, the prosecutor may petition the juvenile court to transfer the case to the adult court system. This decision can be made based on the age of the teen and the severity of the crime. Kids younger than 14 cannot be tried as adults, but older teens can. If they are, they will face steeper penalties and may end up with a permanent criminal record.
Juvenile Arrest Disposition Hearing
Your child could choose to plead guilty, in which case this hearing will act as their sentencing. This is when the court will inform you and your child about the consequences they’re facing.
Get Out Of Jail Fast With A-EZ Out
If your teen is facing a juvenile arrest, call A-EZ Out right away! We’re available 24/7 to bail them out of any jail in Tarrant, Dallas, Collin, or Denton County. We are also here to help guide you through this difficult process with your child. Our close proximity to the municipal jail center means we can get you out of jail faster than competitor agencies. Call or visit our website to get in touch with an experienced bail bondsman today!
None of this information should be construed as legal guidance. Please, seek help from a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about Texas law and your options moving forward.