Pearland Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Even the perfect parent (if such a thing existed) cannot be there watching over their child at all hours of the day. No matter how well-loved or cared-for, children make mistakes. Sometimes, they run afoul of the law. Youth is about making mistakes, learning from them, and growing. Minors should not have their entire lives derailed due to a single youthful indiscretion. The law treats juvenile offenses differently from adult crimes, but even juvenile convictions can carry heavy penalties and have lasting consequences. With the right legal defense, you can avoid the worst consequences of a criminal conviction and give your kid a better opportunity for the future.
At Keith B. French Law, PLLC, the Firm’s Pearland juvenile defense lawyer believes kids who break the law should be given the chance to do better. Whether you are a minor facing misdemeanor or felony charges yourself, or you are a parent looking out for your child, Keith B. French Law is here for you. The Firm represents juveniles charged with all manner of violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. Keith B. French Law will pursue all means to have charges reduced, seek alternatives to conviction and incarceration, or get charges dropped entirely.
Juvenile vs. Adult Criminal Justice
The juvenile and adult justice systems operate with different guiding principles. The adult justice system, especially in Texas, is focused more on preserving public safety, deterring criminal conduct, and punishing wrongdoers. The juvenile justice system also serves these interests, but it is meant to be more heavily focused on rehabilitation. Juvenile justice is about helping teens learn from their mistakes, and about identifying external problem factors in their lives in order to make their situations better.
Keith B. French Law takes that distinction seriously. The Firm does not let prosecutors shirk their duty to focus on the betterment of juvenile lives and instead focus on punishment. If there is an alternative to conviction and/or incarceration, such as an adjudication deferral, Keith B. French Law will fight for it. If lesser charges would serve the same purpose, the Firm will push for them. If the government is throwing a weak case at a juvenile because they think the defendant lacks the legal savvy to know when a plea is not worth taking, the Firm will not stand for it. Keith B. French Law protects the client and puts people first.
Common Juvenile Crimes
Juveniles can be charged with most crimes chargeable against adults. In the Firm’s experience, there are a number of offenses that are more common among juvenile offenders, however. Keith B. French Law defends clients charged with these common juvenile offenses, among others:
- “Zero tolerance” juvenile DUI charges
- Theft
- Juvenile vandalism
- Driving without a license
- Juvenile sexual assault
- Assault and battery
- Probation violations
- Status offenses specific to juveniles including truancy, curfew violations, underage drinking, and underage tobacco use
Whether your child was charged with one of the above or another serious criminal charge, the Pearland criminal law firm Keith B. French Law is ready to come to your defense.
Juvenile Punishments are No Joke
Although juvenile crimes are treated differently from adult crimes, the punishments for juvenile offenses can still be very serious. Underage drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol as a minor, assault, theft, and other crimes can carry much more than a simple slap on the wrist. Juveniles can be subject to heavy fines, revocation of driving privileges, confinement in a juvenile detention center, and other penalties. For serious crimes such as sexual assault or murder, juveniles can face decades in prison. Although the Supreme Court ruled that underage offenders cannot be sentenced to a mandatory life sentence, lengthy prison sentences are still on the table for serious crimes.
If your child has been arrested for a crime in Pearland, you need to get a seasoned and effective juvenile justice defense attorney on your team as soon as possible. The Pearland juvenile justice defense lawyer at Keith B. French Law will protect your child’s rights and fight for their freedom from unreasonable charges and penalties.
Keith B. French Law is Ready to Defend Against Juvenile Charges
If you or your child have been charged with a crime as a juvenile in Pearland, call Keith B. French Law, PLLC. The Firm is dedicated to ensuring that every person gets the proper legal defense that they deserve, no matter their age or circumstance. Attorney Keith B. French refuses to let overzealous prosecutors derail the lives of juveniles who can learn from their mistakes and continue as law-abiding adults given the proper chance. Keith B. French Law represents juvenile defendants charged with all manner of misdemeanors and felonies. Call Keith B. French Law today for a free consultation and find out how the Firm can protect your family, your freedom, and your future.
