Protecting Your Child’s Future – Texarkana Juvenile Defense Attorney
When a child is arrested or accused of a crime, it can shake an entire family. Parents worry about court, school, reputation, and what this will mean for their child’s future.
Anderson Law Firm is here to help families on both the Texas and Arkansas sides of Texarkana. As a Texarkana juvenile defense attorney, we focus on resolving cases in a way that protects a young person’s record as much as possible, emphasizes rehabilitation, and keeps doors open for college, jobs, and a stable future.
Texas Work Injuries – Including Non-Subscriber Employers
Texas has a unique system in which some employers choose not to carry workers’ compensation coverage. These “non-subscriber” employers can often be sued directly if their negligence causes an injury.
Key points we help Texas workers with:
- Determining Employer Status
We review whether your employer has workers’ comp coverage, alternative coverage, or is a non-subscriber. This influences whether your claim is primarily through workers’ comp or a direct personal injury lawsuit. - Non-Subscriber Claims (Texas)
When a non-subscriber’s unsafe practices—such as poor training, lack of safety equipment, or inadequate staffing—lead to injury, we may file a negligence claim seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not typically covered by workers’ comp. - Employer and Insurance Pressure
After a work injury, some Texas workers feel pushed to “just use PTO,” return too quickly, or accept a quick settlement. We step between you and those pressures, handle the communications, and work to ensure your rights are respected.
What Happens When a Minor Is Charged
Parents are often unsure what to expect after a child’s arrest. While details differ between Texas and Arkansas, there are common steps:
Initial Detention or Release
After an arrest or referral, the child may be held briefly in a juvenile facility or released to a parent or guardian. If detention is requested, a prompt detention hearing is held to decide whether the child can go home while the case is pending. We advocate for release whenever the law allows.
Filing of the Petition
Prosecutors decide whether to file a formal petition alleging delinquent conduct or a related juvenile offense. Sometimes there is room to negotiate lesser allegations, diversion, or informal resolutions before a full petition is pursued.
Adjudication (Fact-Finding) Hearing
This is similar to a trial in adult court, but in juvenile court the judge (and sometimes a jury, depending on the jurisdiction and issue) decides whether the state has proven the allegations. We challenge evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present your child’s side of the story.
Disposition (Sentencing) Hearing
If the court finds the allegations true, a separate hearing determines what will happen—probation, community programs, placement options, or other consequences. We emphasize rehabilitation, family support, and positive steps your child is taking to move forward.
Protecting Your Child’s Record and Future
Even in juvenile court, outcomes today can have real effects tomorrow. A juvenile adjudication can impact:
- College admissions and scholarship opportunities
- Military or certain employment applications that ask about juvenile history
- Driving privileges in some cases
- Eligibility for certain programs or licenses later in life
Whenever possible, we pursue:
- Diversion programs that can lead to dismissal if successfully completed
- Informal adjustments or counseling in lieu of formal adjudication
- Probation terms focused on school attendance, counseling, and community service rather than confinement
- Future sealing or expungement of juvenile records when available under state law
We discuss not only the immediate case but also what can be done later to clear or limit access to your child’s juvenile record where the law allows.
Guidance for Parents – How You Can Help
Parents are a critical part of a successful juvenile defense. We help you understand what to expect and what you can do to support your child’s case, including:
- Preparing for the detention hearing and providing information that supports release home
- Encouraging prompt involvement in counseling, substance abuse treatment, or anger management when appropriate
- Coordinating with schools about attendance, discipline, and special education needs
- Helping your child follow all court orders and probation rules to avoid violations
We maintain communication with families, explain each step in plain language, and help you make decisions that protect both your child’s legal interests and overall wellbeing.
Juvenile Defense FAQ
What happens when a minor is charged with a crime in Texas or Arkansas?
The case usually enters the juvenile justice system, where a petition is filed in juvenile court and early decisions are made about detention, release, and how the case will proceed. Some matters may be diverted or handled informally; others move toward adjudication and disposition hearings. We guide families through each stage and look for opportunities to resolve the case favorably as early as possible.
Can juveniles ever be tried as adults?
Yes. In both Texas and Arkansas, very serious allegations—especially those involving violence, weapons, or major drug offenses—can lead to efforts to transfer a minor’s case to adult court. The standards and procedures are different in each state, and we work to oppose transfer and keep the case in the juvenile system whenever the law and facts support that outcome.
Will my child have a permanent criminal record?
Juvenile records are generally more confidential than adult records, and in many cases they can be sealed or restricted from public view once a young person reaches a certain age and meets other requirements. However, not every case is automatically wiped clean, and some serious adjudications can have long-lasting effects. We aim to resolve the case in a way that maximizes your child’s eligibility for record sealing or similar relief later.
Do I need a lawyer for my teenager’s court hearing if it’s “just” a school fight or minor offense?
Even seemingly minor cases can lead to unexpected consequences, including time in a juvenile facility, strict probation, or difficulty sealing the record later. Having a juvenile court attorney ensures that your child’s rights are protected, that defenses are explored, and that any plea or agreement is made with full understanding of the short- and long-term effects.
Can I be present when my child is questioned by police?
Parents or guardians often have the right to be involved when minors are questioned, and juveniles have the same constitutional rights to remain silent and to have an attorney. It is usually best not to allow your child to be interviewed by law enforcement without first speaking to a lawyer. We can step in quickly, advise you on how to respond, and ensure that any statements are made only after careful consideration.
What is juvenile probation like?
Juvenile probation focuses on supervision and rehabilitation. Conditions may include regular meetings with a probation officer, school attendance, curfews, community service, counseling, drug testing, and staying away from certain people or places. We work to keep conditions realistic, to avoid unnecessary placement in facilities, and to help your child successfully complete probation so they can move forward.
Your Child Deserves a Strong Defense and a Second Chance
A juvenile case does not have to define your child’s life. With the right legal guidance, many young people are able to learn from a mistake, resolve their case, and move on to college, careers, and healthy adult lives.
Before your family faces the juvenile court system alone, get advice from a lawyer who understands how much is at stake. Anderson Law Firm treats your child’s case with the seriousness, care, and urgency we would want for our own family.