Richmond Juvenile Defense Lawyers

Let Us Protect Your Child’s Rights, Freedom & Future

The juvenile justice system is set up to hold youths accountable while also providing them with a second chance. The Law Office of Larry McDougal in Richmond handles Fort Bend County juvenile court cases. Our goal is to find productive alternatives to punishment and detention for crimes committed by youthful offenders.

Our familiarity with the full range of diversion and community-based treatment programs can help you find the right solution for your family’s circumstances. Attorney Larry P. McDougal Sr. is a former police officer, prosecutor and municipal court judge whose comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system helps protect clients’ rights and keep the focus on rehabilitation. His experience with Texas family law also adds value and perspective in a juvenile case.

Our Richmond juvenile defense attorney helps teenagers and their parents in the full range of juvenile offenses, including:

Call our Richmond juvenile defense lawyers today at (281) 823-9377 and request a free, confidential consultation. 

Juvenile Crimes in Texas

Youths arrested for lesser offenses are commonly released to their parents and later summoned to juvenile court. For more serious crimes, they may be taken into custody and held over in a juvenile detention facility for up to 10 days until a hearing. Punishments may range from probation, restitution and community service to the Pegasus School, “boot camp” and other special programs that take them away from home for a period.

All defendants under age 17 are adjudicated in the juvenile system, even for felony crimes. The most serious offenders are incarcerated by the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) or charged as adults if they face serious prison time.

Exploring Rehabilitation Options for Juvenile Offenders

At The Law Office of Larry P. McDougal, we understand that every child deserves a chance to turn their life around after committing a juvenile crime. Our experienced Richmond juvenile defense lawyers are committed to not only protecting your child's rights and freedom but also helping them build a better future.

When it comes to juvenile crimes in Texas, it's important to recognize that the consequences can have a lasting impact on a child's life. However, our dedicated team of juvenile defense attorneys is here to guide you through the process and explore rehabilitation options that may be available for your child.

Some of the rehabilitation options we can help you navigate include:

• Diversion programs: These programs aim to divert juvenile offenders away from the traditional court system and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation and skill-building.
• Counseling and therapy: We can connect you with qualified professionals who specialize in working with juvenile offenders, providing them with the necessary support to address underlying issues and prevent future criminal behavior.
• Community service: Engaging in community service not only allows juvenile offenders to give back to their communities but also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy.
• Educational programs: We can advocate for your child's access to educational programs that focus on addressing behavioral issues, improving academic performance, and promoting positive social skills.

By understanding the available rehabilitation options, you can make informed decisions about your child's future. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help your family navigate the complexities of juvenile defense.

Can A Juvenile Crime Can Follow a Child Forever?

Many youths and parents mistakenly believe that juvenile offenses are not a big deal because they do not follow the person into adulthood. Since 1994, there is no “fresh start.” A juvenile adjudication does stay on one’s record and can disqualify the youth for college, scholarships, housing, the military and certain career paths.

The Texas Nursing Board, for example, is notoriously hard on applicants with drug or theft arrests. Juveniles can petition for expunction (sealing of records), but it is not automatic at age 18 and sealed records still count as priors for judicial purposes.

This is yet another reason to retain experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. At The Law Office of Larry McDougal, we make sure our clients understand the long-term ramifications and we do all we can to avoid the harshest consequences.

An important strength of our juvenile practice is defense team’s ability to establish and maintain close relationships with parents, young people, probation officers, police, prosecuting attorneys and judges. At its most effective, the juvenile justice system very much depends on cooperation within these relationships, and our experience can help make it work for you.