Denton Criminal Lawyer

Being Tried As an Adult

There are times when the law prefers to protect children from the severity of the adult criminal justice system, sparing them from prison or harsher sentencing associated with being tried with majority. In the state of Texas, juvenile law extends between the ages of 10 years of age to 16 years of age, meaning anyone within this range will usually be tried as a minor in court. However, there are exceptions to this rule which can put a minor through the adult system, submitting them to the same punishments that the rest of criminal society undergoes.

If someone you love is facing allegations that could be considered severe enough to enter into adult court, you need a strong legal defense strategy. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 for more information.

Limiting Juvenile Law

A minor may be tried as an adult under certain circumstances, such as when the individual is alleged to have committed a violent crime and is deemed to be a threat to society. If a juvenile is tried as an adult, the following changes occur:

• Defendant may face lengthy imprisonment
• Adult court proceedings are public
• Adult courts use a trial by jury

Being tried as an adult is applied on a case-by-case basis, usually governed by the maturity of the juvenile, the heinousness of the crime, and the type of victim. These factors, as well as state-specific laws, can contribute to who is tried as an adult, and who can remain in the juvenile justice system.

Contact Us

The differences between the adult and juvenile systems exist for a reason. If your child is facing charges as an adult, you need an experienced attorney to help you defend your child's rights. Contact the Denton criminal lawyers of Alexander & Associates at 972-420-6560 to learn how we can help you.