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Juvenile Defense Lawyer
Parents and guardians have a number of concerns when it comes to their children. Your child’s safety, wellbeing and happiness are your top priority. Parents do their best to raise their children and hope they make good choices when they leave the house. However, even the best-behaved children can end up in trouble. If your minor child has been charged with any kind of crime or needs representation for a school disciplinary hearing, contact a juvenile defense attorney as quickly as possible. Hiring a Juvenile defense lawyer immediately may be able to help decrease the severity of the penalties your child is facing. In fact, by consulting with a juvenile lawyer early on, you may have the potential to ensure your child’s timely release from custody, reduce or have the charges against your child dismissed.
Our Juvenile defense lawyers in Killeen handle matters concerning the following:
- Criminal matters
- School Disciplinary Hearings
The Carlson Law Firm has nearly 45 years of history of protecting the rights of juveniles. Juvenile criminal defense consultations are free and confidential.
Common Charges Juveniles May Face
The same laws that apply to adults generally apply to juveniles. A juvenile can be charged with felony or misdemeanor charges. Underage defendants require the help of a qualified juvenile defense attorney who is experienced in this area of law. Common charges include the following:
- Violent crimes. Assault and battery, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, weapon possession on school grounds.
- Sex crimes. Sexual assault, battery, lewd and lascivious, sexting, indecent exposure, sexually motivated crimes carried by a juvenile on a younger child.
- Drug charges. Minor in possession of alcohol, possession of drugs or alcohol on school grounds, possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia.
- Theft and property crimes. Shoplifting, vandalism, arson, theft, dealing in stolen property.
- Unauthorized use of a vehicle.
- Criminal mischief.
- Academic misconduct.
Contact a juvenile lawyer to discuss the specifics of your case.
What Can a Juvenile Defense Lawyer Offer Your Family?
Juvenile law differs from laws governing adults. These cases require a strategic defense from an attorney knowledgeable in that area of law. Our attorneys offer a personalized service to provide a custom defense tailored for your situation. Further, our compassionate juvenile defense attorney will work tirelessly on your behalf.
School Disciplinary Hearings
When you walk into a school hearing, you will go before a disciplinary panel. The panel may be made up of fellow students, staff and administration. Our Juvenile Attorney handles school disciplinary hearings at all education levels from primary education up to and including the college level.
Do not take school disciplinary hearings lightly. These hearings have the potential to result in charges and can lead to further disciplinary actions against a student without a proper defense prepared.
Depending on the severity of the accusation against your child, school disciplinary hearings can have consequences that can affect your child’s education. Disciplinary actions against your child can include any of the following:
- Expulsion
- In-School Suspension
- Reassignment
- Community Service
- Out-of-School Suspension
- Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP)/ Alternative school
- Behavior contract
- Loss of privileges
If you’ve recently turned 18 and are wondering if your records have been sealed, contact a Killeen Record Expunction Lawyer to discuss your options.
How Can an Attorney Help in a School Disciplinary Hearing?
While some schools say you cannot bring an attorney to these hearings, you are permitted to bring an advisor. As an advisor, an Juvenile Defense Lawyer can help with the following:
- Understand the process and charges you face
- Prepare a presentation for the case
- Think of questions for witnesses or suggest additional questions based on witness testimony
- Help take notes during the hearing
- Keep the student calm
- Provide moral for the student support during the hearing
Students have the right to due process when they are facing serious punishments. This means that students have the right to know the reason for the punishment and an opportunity to tell their side of the story.
Should I Hire a Lawyer to Represent Me in a School Disciplinary Hearing?
Yes. A 1975 Supreme Court ruling recognized that students facing discipline have a right to due process. Generally, this applies to situations where the student is facing more severe penalties such as long-term suspension or expulsion. Students in these situations have a right to the following:
- Fair notice
- An attorney
- The opportunity to present witnesses and evidence
Parents or guardians should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. These hearings can have lifelong effects on the mental health and educational outcomes of your child. A juvenile attorney may be able to help you get the best resolution possible. The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner you can begin building a defense.
Contact a Juvenile Attorney
If you are facing charges or need to appear before a school disciplinary panel, call a juvenile attorney at 254-526-5688.
Why Choose The Carlson Law Firm?
The best legal defense comes from lawyers who care about you and your situation. We know that you are facing immense pressure as a family. Our lawyers will treat you with the respect you deserve and give your case the attention that it requires.
The Carlson Law Firm’s juvenile defense lawyers are ready to help with your case. We’re happy to work with minors and their parents to ensure we come up with the best defense plan for your child.
There's a Carlson Law Firm Near You
With over a dozen locations throughout Texas, there’s a Carlson Law Firm near you. We have law offices located in Killeen, Temple, Waco, Round Rock, Austin, San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, Bryan, Lubbock, Midland, and Corpus Christi.