A child’s arrest is a devastating experience for parents. If your child is arrested and charged with a crime, there are going to be many questions.
- Will my child go to jail?
- Is there a difference between the juvenile justice system and the adult system?
- How will the arrest and conviction change my child’s prospects for the future?
Texas Juvenile Crime Stats
In Texas, any individual between the ages of 10 and 17 can be charged with a juvenile crime. Juvenile crimes are charged as at least a Class C Misdemeanor. There are a few common factors for the types of juveniles who tend to commit crimes:
- Males are more likely than females to commit juvenile crimes.
- Boys commit 80 percent of violent juvenile crimes.
- Girls are more likely to run away than boys.
- Boys are more likely to commit underage drinking offenses.
- Crimes like graffiti and vandalism, make up about 25 percent of juvenile crimes.
Juvenile Court Process
If your child is a minor and facing arrest, the process is largely different from that of the adult criminal court process. Adults are generally arrested, booked, held in jail, charged with a crime, and bond out of jail. Adults are given the option to stand trial or they can take a plea bargain.
Juveniles who are under arrest face a different process. After their arrest, the court releases them to their parents unless they’re accused of a serious or violent crime. If this is the case, they will most likely be transported to a juvenile detention facility. Then, they start the juvenile court process, which involves many hearings prior to trial. A disposition hearing will be held. This is where sentencing and rehab requirements are decided. If the case is serious, the juvenile court can transfer a teenager to the adult criminal justice system.
Potential Outcomes for Juvenile Cases
Juvenile sentencing can include probation, time in a detention facility, drug abuse treatment, or deferred prosecution.
Juvenile Records
The court seals most juvenile records. This allows juveniles to start over and not suffer for their mistakes as adults. However, if the juvenile was convicted of sex crimes or other serious felonies they can be transferred from juvenile detention to prison when they turn 18. Once they are transferred to the adult system the records will are made public.
Get Out of Jail Fast with A-EZ Out
If your child has been arrested, 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!