Juvenile Defense Attorney Houston
We Can Protect Your Child's Rights
- Free Consultations
- Dedicated to the Best Possible Outcome for Your Child
- Hundreds of Dismissals Achieved
- We Can Get Confessions Thrown Out
What To Do Right Now If Your Child Has Been Arrested
We know this is a terrifying position for a parent. Here’s how to respond:
- Call a juvenile defense lawyer immediately.
Early intervention by Paul Doyle & Associates can stop the process from escalating. We know how to navigate these situations in a way that serves your family's best interests. - Don’t let your child speak without a lawyer.
Politely but firmly tell the police: “My child will not answer any questions without an attorney present.” - Stay calm.
Your child is likely scared and confused. Keeping a calm demeanor not only helps you make smart decisions, but also helps your child calm down.
When You Hire Paul Doyle & Associates:
We will immediately begin preserving critical evidence and witness accounts.
Your attorney can negotiate directly with prosecutors before formal charges are filed.
We will explore every possible avenue of dismissal or pretrial resolution.
Your attorney will use every available legal tool to minimize long-term consequences and protect the best interests of your child.
Has Your Child Been Detained by Authorities? Call Our Houston Law Office for a Free Case Review
A juvenile in Texas is anyone at least 10 years old and under the age of 17. If your child is being detained, they are not in jail – so you cannot post bond as you would for an adult. To get them out, you have to attend a juvenile detention hearing. Contacting an attorney who deals with cases involving juvenile court should be your first step in getting your child out of holding.
“Dismissed.”
"Despite the obstacles, Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed." — Robby, 5-Star Review
Meet Our Awarded Attorneys
Juvenile criminal cases are governed by a very specific set of laws that makes them different, and in some ways more complex, than cases for adults. Our Houston attorneys are very knowledgeable about all relevant Texas criminal laws regarding minors.
Paul Doyle
Paul spent seven years as a Harris County prosecutor. He now draws upon his knowledge of prosecution to predict which strategies will be used against his clients in juvenile court. His consistent success for Houston clients has led to widespread recognition. For example, Forbes included him in its prestigious Texas Leaders in Law list.
Trevor Sharon
A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Trevor has been practicing law since 2013. He has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® every single year from 2019 through 2023, an honor reserved for 2.5% of young Texan lawyers. He takes pride in helping minor clients beat charges so they can build a better future.
Don't Let Your Child's Future Be Jeopardized
Contact Our Houston Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Don't gamble with your child's future if they are being faced with criminal charges. Attorneys Paul Doyle and Trevor Sharon have successfully defended several high-profile cases and are not afraid of a challenge. They will fight to protect the rights, freedom, and future of your child and do everything they can to ensure a successful outcome.
Don't leave your child's future in the hands of a public defender. Hire our lawyers to defend the person who matters to you most. If you need criminal defense for your child, contact our Houston, Texas, firm today and request your free consultation. You can reach out online or call:
713-228-9200
Harris County Chooses Our Law Firm
Hear From Past Clients
"Paul is the best lawyer in town! If you are aiming for dismissal this is your guy!"
— Ben Sanderson, 2023 5-Star Review
"Excellent Service 10/10 Recommend. You will not be disappointed with the outcome of your case! Trevor Sharon Is THE BEST #1 ! Criminal Justice Lawyer In Houston Hands Down! Guaranteed 100%"
—Yander Noguera, 2023 5-Star Review
The Myth About Juvenile Criminal Charges
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Many parents believe if their child is under the age of 18 when they are charged, they will not be tried as an adult or their record will be cleared once they turn 18. However, depending on the severity of the criminal offense, or if your child is a habitual offender, they could be tried as an adult and moved to an adult prison system when they turn 18 to finish their sentence.
Hundreds of Dismissals Achieved for Houston Clients
Our case results highlight some but certainly not all of the many courtroom victories achieved by our attorneys. Among the nearly 400 dismissals listed are cases revolving around drugs charges, aggravated assaults, DWI, and sex crimes.
We Can Get Confessions Thrown Out
If your child made a false confession while under duress, their case might seem hopeless. The truth is, there are various avenues for having such confessions thrown out entirely.
The Texas Family Code sets forth extremely specific requirements that must be met by law enforcement when obtaining confessions from a juvenile. Before any confession, a child must be brought without delay to a juvenile processing office. If your child was brought somewhere else first, or made to wait an excessive period, this could have impacted their confession.
Furthermore, before any written confession a child must be made aware that they have the right to terminate their interview with law enforcement at any time. If these and other provisions are violated, our attorneys can possibly void any confession.
We Can Explore Deferred Prosecution
There are some situations where a minor defendant has little to no defense for the crime they committed. That being said, if your child is not a habitual offender and the offense they are charged with is not especially egregious, our attorneys may be able to negotiate with the juvenile court's officers to engage in deferred prosecution.
Deferred prosecution is an alternative to formal adjudication that allows a minor to engage in a probationary period that is typically six months long. During this period, the child has to complete community service as well as other court-mandated programs such as counseling. If the child completes all aspects, their case can be totally resolved without the creation of any criminal record.
Expungement for Your Juvenile
Your child could face issues in their future endeavors if they have a criminal conviction on their record. Our Houston attorneys can fight to get your child's record sealed or expunged, which opens up opportunities for their future careers, education, and personal interests.
Sealed Record
A sealed record can help your child pursue further education, a career, and housing since the public will be unable to access their criminal record. However, a sealed record does not hide the conviction from police departments or immigration agencies.
Expunged Record
An expunged record is the goal for any offender. If your record is expunged, neither the public nor law enforcement agencies can view your criminal history. Having an expunged record is essentially like you never committed the crime in the first place. If your child's charge has a possibility of being expunged, our attorneys will work tirelessly to get this order from the judge. An expunged record is the best way your child can secure a promising future.
A Trusted Harris County Law Firm
“I’ve got a real good lawyer, one of the best in the country... He did a good job.”
- College Football Hall of Famer Vince Young
FAQ
What's the difference between juvenile court and adult court?
- Purpose: The juvenile system focuses on second chances and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- Outcomes: Instead of incarceration, minors often receive alternatives like counseling, supervision, or diversion programs.
- Record Visibility: While adult convictions typically remain part of the public record, juvenile records can often be sealed or erased.
- Courtroom Environment: Juvenile hearings are closed to the public; adult trials are generally open.
- “Adjucated” vs. “Found Guilty": “Adjucated” is the term used in juvenile court to carry the same meaning as “found guilty” in adult court.
What is the Texas Juvenile Justice Department?
The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) oversees secure facilities for serious juvenile offenses. These large, prison-like institutions can separate minors from family, education, and community support, and often involve strict schedules, limited freedoms, and extended stays. Placement in TJJD can lead to long-term confinement and lasting consequences. Paul Doyle & Associates can help your child avoid this penalty through dedicated fact-based litigation.
When does Texas treat a minor as an adult?
In Texas, the legal system considers anyone 17 or older to be an adult for criminal purposes. This means a 17-year-old charged with a crime will face adult court, adult sentencing, and a permanent record. Juvenile court typically applies to ages 10 to 16 and focuses on rehabilitation.
What happens after my child is arrested?
After a juvenile arrest, things move quickly behind the scenes, even if your child is released home:
- Law enforcement forwards the case to the District Attorney, who reviews the report and may choose to file formal charges. If that happens, you’ll receive official notice of a court date.
- A probation officer will likely reach out to begin gathering background information.
- At an upcoming detention hearing, a judge will evaluate whether your child stays in custody or can remain at home based on factors such as flight risk, your child's previous charges, and whether they pose a danger to themselves or others.
“The real deal.”
"Paul and his team are the real deal!! All business, the very best!" — Shelley, 5-Star Review
