When your child faces criminal charges in Dallas, their entire future hangs in the balance.
Unlike adult court, the Texas juvenile justice system operates under different rules, procedures, and penalties—but the consequences can be just as severe.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our experienced Dallas criminal defense attorneys combine compassionate advocacy with aggressive legal representation to protect your child’s rights and secure their future.
We’ve successfully defended over 6,000+ criminal cases, with more than 1,000 dismissals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Schedule your free consultation with our Dallas juvenile defense lawyers today and take the first step toward protecting your child’s future.
Why You Need a Dallas Juvenile Defense Lawyer
The juvenile system operates as a hybrid between criminal and family code, with Family Code taking the lead on juvenile matters.
This unique structure means children under 18 are considered to have protected status under Texas law, but it also creates complexities that require experienced legal guidance. The courts must balance what’s in the best interest of the community with what’s best for the child.
For violent crimes especially, judges want to ensure proper mental health treatment and supervised environments, particularly when children come from homes without adequate supervision or primary caretakers.
However, prosecutorial ambition can sometimes override common sense. We’ve seen cases where non-violent children are held in detention facilities for 10-20 days alongside older, more experienced juvenile offenders.
Parents find this process extremely frustrating, confusing, and frightening—especially when an 11-year-old suddenly finds themselves housed with older kids in an unfamiliar facility.
Without immediate legal intervention, your child could face:
- Unnecessary detention with older juvenile offenders
- Extended stays in TJJD facilities until their 18th birthday
- Social studies that may mischaracterize their mental state or risk level
- Long-term impact on education and future opportunities
We need to get to that detention hearing quickly to convince the court it’s in your child’s best interest to be released back to parental custody.
⚠️ Prosecutors sometimes push for detention or adult certification even in non-violent cases, which makes early legal intervention critical for avoiding unfair outcomes.
Types of Juvenile Crimes We Defend
Our Dallas juvenile crime defense lawyers handle the full spectrum of charges that minors face in Texas courts. We understand that young people often make mistakes that shouldn’t define their futures.
Theft and Shoplifting
These charges often stem from peer pressure or poor judgment rather than criminal intent. Whether it’s shoplifting at NorthPark Center or stealing from classmates, we focus on demonstrating lack of criminal intent.
Hypothetical scenario: A 16-year-old takes merchandise from a Dallas retail store on a dare from friends. What seemed like harmless fun now threatens their college scholarship prospects.
Vandalism and Property Crimes
Property damage cases often stem from teenage pranks gone wrong. We defend these cases by demonstrating lack of criminal intent and negotiating restitution agreements.
Underage Drinking & DUI
Texas has zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. Even a first offense can result in license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs. We aggressively challenge breathalyzer results and field sobriety tests administered to minors.
Fake ID and Identity Crimes
Using false identification to purchase alcohol, enter clubs, or misrepresent age can result in serious charges, including forgery and tampering with government records.
What seems like harmless college preparation often carries felony-level penalties that can destroy scholarship opportunities and college admissions.
Drug Offenses
Marijuana possession, prescription drug abuse, and other controlled substance charges carry serious penalties for juveniles. Our experience includes challenging illegal searches and seizures that violate Fourth Amendment rights.
Assault & Violent Crimes
School fights, domestic disputes, and other altercations can result in assault charges. We examine self-defense claims, witness credibility, and whether the alleged conduct actually meets legal definitions of assault.
Sex Offenses
These charges carry the most severe long-term consequences, including potential sex offender registration. Our approach involves thorough investigation of allegations, often revealing false accusations or misunderstandings.
Weapons Charges & Gang-Related Crimes
Weapons possession on school grounds or alleged gang activity can result in adult certification. We work to demonstrate lack of criminal intent and challenge evidence collection methods.
Truancy and Status Offenses
These violations only apply to minors—truancy, curfew violations, or running away. Repeated status offenses can lead to detention and more serious consequences.
Contact our team to discuss your child’s specific charges and potential defenses during your free consultation.
Possible Consequences of a Juvenile Conviction in Dallas
The juvenile justice system’s rehabilitation focus doesn’t eliminate serious consequences for young offenders.
Knowing potential penalties helps families make informed decisions about legal representation and plea negotiations.
| Consequence Type | Description | Long-term Impact |
| TJJD Detention | Placement in state juvenile facilities | Disrupted education, family separation |
| Adult Certification | Trial as adult for serious felonies | Adult criminal record, prison sentences |
| Probation | Court supervision with strict conditions | Limited freedom, risk of violation |
| Community Service | Required volunteer hours | Time away from school/activities |
| Restitution | Payment for damages or losses | Financial burden on families |
| Record Impact | Permanent juvenile record | Barriers to college, employment, military |
TJJD operates secure facilities throughout Texas where juveniles serve sentences ranging from months to years. These placements separate children from families and communities during essential developmental periods.
📌 Juvenile convictions can ripple through education, career, and military opportunities, meaning the indirect effects often outweigh the immediate penalties.
For serious felonies like aggravated assault or weapons charges, prosecutors may seek adult certification. This process transfers cases to adult court, where minors face adult prison sentences and permanent felony records.
Juvenile convictions can affect college admissions, scholarship eligibility, employment background checks, military service opportunities, and professional licensing requirements.
Hypothetical scenario: A college-bound senior faces assault charges from a school fight. Without proper defense, the conviction could cost them their university acceptance and athletic scholarship.
Defense Strategies Our Dallas Juvenile Lawyers Use
Every juvenile case requires a tailored defense strategy that considers the young person’s age, circumstances, and the specific charges involved. Our 35+ years of combined experience has taught us that successful juvenile defense often involves different approaches than adult cases.
Lack of Intent
Many juvenile offenses stem from poor judgment rather than criminal intent. We demonstrate how developmental factors, peer pressure, and limited decision-making capacity affected our young clients’ actions.
Mistaken Identity & Wrongful Accusations
School environments and social media can lead to false accusations. We thoroughly investigate witness credibility and challenge identifications that may be unreliable or motivated by teenage drama.
Coercion or Peer Pressure
The influence of older teens or adults often drives juvenile criminal behavior. We present evidence of coercion or duress that reduces culpability or eliminates criminal liability entirely.
Self-Defense
Many assault charges involve mutual combat or defensive actions. Our investigation focuses on who initiated the conflict and whether our client reasonably believed force was necessary for protection.
Suppression of Illegally Obtained Evidence
Schools, police, and parents sometimes violate constitutional rights during investigations. We file motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches or interrogations without proper Miranda warnings.
Our Approach to Juvenile Criminal Defense
We listen to both parents and minors during initial consultations, knowing that juvenile cases affect entire families. Our confidential meetings allow honest discussion of circumstances without fear of disclosure.
Our North Texas juvenile defense experience spans all counties, giving us unique insight into local court procedures and judge preferences.
💼 A family-centered defense model—listening to both parents and minors—creates stronger case narratives that align with the court’s interest in protecting children’s welfare.
We immediately review police reports, social study recommendations and mental health evaluations, home environment assessments, and school records.
Before trial, we explore diversion programs that avoid formal convictions, deferred prosecution agreements, community service alternatives, and counseling options.
When negotiations fail, we aggressively defend juveniles in court, challenging evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and presenting compelling defenses.
Why Choose Our Dallas Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers?
Local Experience with Dallas County Courts
We’ve appeared before every juvenile court judge in Dallas County, knowing their perspectives on detention decisions and effective advocacy approaches.
Our years of juvenile defense experience across all North Texas counties means we know exactly what needs to happen at detention hearings.
We immediately get to detention hearings to convince courts that release to parental custody serves the child’s best interests. Our goal is securing the quickest possible release and avoiding situations where children get stuck in juvenile detention until their 18th birthday.
Proven Track Record
Our juvenile defense success includes 1,000+ case dismissals across all practice areas, 300+ “Not Guilty” verdicts in criminal trials, and decades of experience in Texas juvenile courts.
Recognition and Credentials
Richard C. McConathy’s credentials include Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist status, former Chair of Dallas Bar Association Criminal Law Section, and over 35 years of criminal defense experience.
Compassionate, Client-Focused Representation
We understand that juvenile clients need different advocacy approaches than adult defendants. Our team provides age-appropriate communication, family support throughout legal proceedings, and coordination with schools and treatment providers.
Juvenile Record Sealing & Future Protection
One of the greatest benefits of successful juvenile defense is our ability to seal your child’s record, ensuring that youthful mistakes don’t follow them into adulthood. The key is avoiding juvenile detention through negotiated settlements.
When we can resolve cases without institutional placement, we can almost always secure record sealing.
Record sealing restricts access to juvenile records, while record expungement completely destroys them. Texas Family Code Chapter 58 governs these processes, with requirements varying based on successful probation completion, offense severity, and age at time of offense.
💡 Record sealing ensures that a child’s mistake doesn’t become a permanent barrier, allowing them to pursue higher education, employment, and housing without the weight of stigma.
Sealed records restore access to college admissions and financial aid, employment opportunities, professional licensing, military service, and housing applications.
Hypothetical scenario: A juvenile convicted of theft at 16 successfully completes probation and seals their record. At 22, they can honestly answer “no” when employers ask about criminal history.
FAQ
Can My Child Be Charged as an Adult in Dallas?
Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Texas allows adult certification for serious felonies committed by juveniles 14 or older, including capital murder, aggravated sexual assault, and drug trafficking offenses.
What Happens at a Juvenile Detention Hearing?
Detention hearings occur within 48 hours of arrest. Courts conduct social studies to determine if the child poses a safety risk, has mental health issues, or lacks proper supervision at home.
Unfortunately, prosecutorial ambition sometimes overrides common sense. We’ve seen non-violent children detained for 10-20 days simply because prosecutors take aggressive positions.
What Penalties Can a Juvenile Face in Texas?
Texas juvenile penalties range from deferred prosecution (no formal finding) to probation, community service, restitution, TJJD commitment, and adult certification with prison sentences.
Can Juvenile Records Be Sealed or Expunged in Texas?
Most juvenile records can be sealed after successful probation completion or case dismissal. Requirements include no pending charges, compliance with court orders, and payment of court costs.
Do Parents Need to Attend Court with Their Child?
Yes, parental attendance is typically required at all juvenile proceedings. Parents must accompany minors to hearings, sign legal documents, and ensure compliance with court orders.
Contact Our Dallas Juvenile Defense Attorneys Today
Time is critical in juvenile cases—early action can mean the difference between a dismissed charge and a conviction that follows your child for years. Our Dallas juvenile crime defense lawyers understand the unique challenges facing young people in the Texas justice system.
Don’t let a mistake define your child’s future. The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has protected families throughout Dallas County for over two decades.
Available 24/7 for emergency juvenile arrests—we understand that legal crises don’t wait for business hours. Contact us immediately after any juvenile arrest in Dallas County.
Contact us today at 197-230-38867 for immediate help from our Dallas juvenile defense team—available 24/7 to protect your child’s future.