If an individual breaks the law, their life could be severely impacted by it. They could face years behind bars. It could impact their social life, professional life, family life and so on. Needless to say, breaking the law can have serious repercussions.
Now imagine that individual is younger than 18 years old. Believe it or not, being convicted of a crime—even if tried as a juvenile—could have a significant impact on the rest of their life. In fact, having a criminal record at an early age leads to a lot of problems in the future. It could impact you’re a person’s education, create issues getting jobs, affect personal development, and so much more.
If your child have been arrested for juvenile delinquency in Tarrant County, here’s how our 24-hour bail bonds in Texas can help.
What Is Juvenile Delinquency?
Juvenile delinquency in Tarrant County essentially means crimes committed by a minor. Under Texas law, when someone 17 or under is arrested, they enter into the juvenile justice system rather than go to jail.
What kind of crimes could lead to juvenile delinquency? Usually, juveniles are first-time offenders and there could be many reasons that could lead to juvenile delinquency in Tarrant County. However, some of the most common crimes committed by juveniles that often lead to juvenile delinquency include shoplifting, underage drinking, vandalism, and assault.
What If Your Teen Is Facing Juvenile Delinquency for the First Time?
If your teen is facing juvenile delinquency for the first time, knowing how the juvenile justice system works could be really helpful for parents or guardians. This way, they know what’s next and what to expect.
The first step in this entire process is the detention hearing, wherein the judge decides whether its safe to release the juvenile to their parents/guardian or if they should remain in custody. This hearing must take place within one business day of detaining the juvenile.
Then, if and when the juvenile has been released to their parents, they could be referred to the first offender program. Every first offender program is different, but these programs are focused on rehabilitation, education, restitution, and community services. If a juvenile completes this program, their case could be dropped completely.
Tarrant County has established the Youthful Offender Diversion Alternative (YODA) program for young offenders between the ages of 17 and 25 who have been arrested for assault against non-intimate family members. It focuses on addressing factors that led to the assault, and then developing skills that could mitigate future events of that manner.
A lot is dependent on the crime committed by the juvenile. Sometimes, transfer hearings are held if a serious crime is committed by juveniles who are 14 years and older, wherein their case could be transferred to the adult justice system. That said, a case cannot be transferred if the juvenile is under the age of 14 and if they are charged with a misdemeanor.
After the transfer hearing, an adjudication hearing and a disposition hearing will follow. During these hearings, juveniles will plea either innocent or guilty. The court will then try to determine if the allegation made against the juvenile are true and determine if and how they will be sentenced.
Juveniles are allowed to appeal. If a local court decision isn’t in their favor or there are some gaps, the ruling could be appealed to a higher court.
Unique Factors of Juvenile Hearings
There are some unique factors when it comes to juvenile hearings. If an adult is being tried, they have right to a jury during a trial. For minors, its different. The sentencing is totally dependent on the presiding judge.
Also know that hearings of a juvenile offenders are private unless the charges are for bigger crimes—such as a felony. In this case, the courtroom maybe open to the public.
Last but not the least, the juvenile could be tried as an adult only if the crime is serious and the defendant is 16 years or older. If the juvenile is tried as and adult and found guilt, the court does its best to make sure the minor isn’t sent to a regular prison.
Juvenile Bail Bonds in Tarrant County, Texas
As a parent, it can be difficult if your child is involved in juvenile delinquency and has to go through the juvenile justice system. It’s important to be there for your child; they need the moral support. Remember that the focus in on rehabilitation and reintegration of the juvenile rather then sending them to the prison.
Not only should you also hire an experienced attorney, but if your child is tried as an adult and their case gets transferred to criminal court, they will need a bail. Speak to a reputable bail bonds agent in Tarrant County.
At PCS Bail Bonds, we know how challenging it could for parents dealing with juvenile delinquency in Tarrant County. We are the leading provider of juvenile bail bonds in Tarrant County, and we have dealt with many cases of juvenile bails bonds.
At PCS Bail Bonds, we bring over 25 years of experience to the table, and complex cases are welcomed. We are here to help you 24/7, offer payment plans, help to get your loved ones out of jail quick, and make sure everything we do remains confidential.
If you need bail bonds in Tarrant County, reach out to us at PCSDFW@aol.com or call us toll-free at (888) 335-1655. Se Habla Español.