Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in Texas

Your best defense against Juvenile Criminal Offenses

Are you the parent of a minor accused of a crime? When it comes to defending your child from charges like juvenile assault, drug or alcohol possession, sexual assault, or theft, we are beasts in the courtroom.

Kids make mistakes. They may be provoked, react poorly, give in to peer pressure, or not realize what they're doing involves a crime. When your child is facing criminal charges, every moment matters. We know how distressing it can be to discover your child has been arrested or accused of a criminal act. Whatever they are facing, you can trust us with your child's future.

Our lawyers have successfully represented minors facing charges ranging from sexual assault to illegal possession and theft.

Barbieri Law Firm offers experienced advocacy focused on solutions for young defendants and their families. Our expert juvenile defense lawyers will guide you through the complex Texas juvenile system, fighting to protect your minor's rights and future every step of the way. We've won dismissals, secured community supervision, and sealed records – with no criminal record to follow them.

We Defend Juvenile Clients Against all Criminal Offenses

If your child is facing false accusations or criminal charges in Texas, our lawyers provide compassionate support and relentless dedication to protecting their future.

Types of Juvenile Crimes We Defend

Our firm handles all types of juvenile crimes, including:

• Theft and Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Drug Offenses
• Assault
• Truancy
• Underage Drinking and DUI
• Burglary
• Domestic Violence
• Sexual Offenses
• Weapons Offenses
• Gang-Related Offenses
• Criminal Mischief

When accusations first surface, the most important thing a parent can do is find a lawyer for juveniles with a reputation for success and experience defending minors.

Strategic Defense

When a juvenile faces criminal charges, it's crucial to understand the potential defenses that can be used to protect their future. Common strategic defenses against juvenile criminal offenses include:

• Lack of Intent: Juveniles may not fully understand the consequences of their actions. A defense based on the lack of intent argues that the juvenile did not intentionally commit the crime or did not have the necessary mental state to be held criminally responsible.
• Coercion or Duress: If the juvenile was pressured or threatened into committing the crime by an adult or peer, the defense of coercion or duress may apply. This defense shows that the juvenile's actions were a result of external pressure rather than a voluntary decision.
• Wrongful Identification: In many cases, juveniles are wrongfully accused based on mistaken identity. The defense could argue that the evidence does not support that the juvenile was involved in the offense.
• Self-Defense: If the juvenile committed an offense in response to a threat or physical harm, self-defense may be a valid defense. This shows the juvenile acted in protection of themselves or others.
• Lack of Evidence: If there is insufficient evidence to prove the juvenile's involvement in the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, this defense aims to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
• Involvement of Parents or Guardians: Juvenile offenders are often influenced by their environment. A defense may show that poor supervision or involvement from parents or guardians contributed to the offense, which may affect sentencing or rehabilitation efforts.

Each case is unique, and an experienced juvenile defense attorney can work to find the best defense strategy tailored to your child's specific situation, aiming to minimize the long-term consequences of a juvenile criminal charge.

Our Process

Free Confidential Consultation

We start with a one-on-one conversation where we listen, ask key questions, and begin assessing your legal situation.

Case Review & Early Action

Our in-house investigator reviews police reports, statements, and any available evidence, eliminating the delays and added costs of outsourcing. If you’re under investigation, we may be able to intervene early.

Strategic Legal Plan

Every assault case is different. Once we understand the details, we develop a personalized legal strategy focused on dismissal, reduction, or acquittal, depending on what’s possible in your case.

Proactive Defense

We don’t wait for the DA to act. Our lawyers file motions, challenge weak evidence, and negotiate aggressively.

Courtroom Advocacy or Case Resolution

Whether through a favorable plea deal or a full trial, we fight for the best outcome possible. You’ll always know where your case stands, what’s coming next, and what your options are.

Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers: Frequently Asked Questions

How Our Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend You

Facing a juvenile criminal charge in Texas is overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. Juveniles have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be treated fairly in the legal system. They also have the right to due process, meaning the government must follow fair procedures when accusing or convicting them of a crime.

We don’t wait around for the prosecution to build a case—we strategically build your child’s defense at the onset. Our criminal defense attorneys will investigate the facts of the case, interview witnesses, review evidence, and look for any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. Defenses could include a lack of evidence, mistaken identity, or alibi. We’ll explore the best strategies to defend your child.

Regardless of the stage of your case, we’re by your side for:

• Arraignments and bond hearings
• Motions to suppress damaging evidence
• Pretrial strategy and negotiations
• Full trial defense when necessary

What to Expect in a Texas Juvenile Case

We know being accused of a crime can feel scary and confusing for both you and your child. But you don’t have to face it alone.

Here’s what you can expect in a juvenile case:

• Investigation – Police
• Apprehension – Unlike cases involving adults, juveniles may be apprehended – the term arrest is not used.
• Detention Hearing –
• Negotiation – Your case goes to court, or a deal is made
• Sealing Records – A decision is made

If You’re Under Investigation

If your case is still under investigation, we may be able to intervene before charges are even filed.

If your case is still in the investigation stage, it’s a crucial time to have a lawyer involved. Your attorney will stay in contact with law enforcement to monitor developments and prepare you for what may come next. If charges are likely, we’ll help you make a plan—so if an arrest is coming, you can handle it calmly and with a clear strategy.

Even before you step into a courtroom, your legal team is already working. Our paralegals regularly check with the court to track whether charges have been filed or if a grand jury hearing is scheduled. We’ll keep you updated on every new development—so nothing catches you off guard.

In-House Investigator for Superior Case Management

A seasoned 36-year law enforcement veteran now leads our investigations team. She will handle everything from gathering evidence to preparing reports and providing testimony, working directly with our legal team to tailor strategies and ensure the best defense possible for our clients.

• With an in-house investigator, we eliminate the delays and added costs of outsourcing, enabling faster action and more precise case strategies that lead to better outcomes for our clients.

How Charges Are Filed in Texas

There are two ways charges typically move forward:

• By Information: Common for misdemeanors and less serious offenses. The DA files the charge directly.
• By Indictment: Used for felonies. A grand jury reviews the case and decides if there’s enough evidence to move forward.

Once charges are filed.

Once charges are filed, you become the defendant and your case is assigned a cause number and a court date.

Here’s a breakdown of key court appearances in most criminal cases:

• Arraignment or Initial Appearance: Your first court date. The judge reads the charges, and you enter a plea—guilty or not guilty. Evidence sharing begins here.
• Status Conferences / Announcement Settings: These check-in hearings track progress. Your lawyer may be negotiating with the DA or still reviewing the evidence.
• Pretrial Hearings: Your attorney may ask the judge to dismiss weak evidence or challenge how it was obtained.

Your Case, Your Decision

After building your defense, your case will reach a decision point:

• Plea Deal: The DA may offer a deal. We’ll explain the pros, the risks, and your options clearly. You stay in control—we’re here to guide, not pressure.
• Trial: If you reject the plea, we’ll prepare for trial before a judge or jury, where your case is fully argued and defended.

Disposition Stage: The Final Step

This is where the case is resolved—either by a plea agreement, a jury verdict, or a judge’s ruling after trial. It’s the most serious part of the process, and where everything we’ve done comes to a head.

Real Results: Juvenile Criminal Offense charges

Dismissed on Day One

A professional in Denton County got a call from a detective—just a “quick conversation” about an alleged sexual assault committed by his teenager. Instead of responding, he called Barbieri Law Firm.

Within hours, our attorney assigned to the case contacted the investigator, took control of the narrative, and shut down law enforcement’s angle before charges were ever filed. The result? Case dismissed at the investigation stage.

This is why you don’t wait until charges are filed. The moment law enforcement reaches out; the clock starts ticking. Call Barbieri Law Firm first—because our fastest wins happen when we’re brought in before the system takes its first swing.

Juvenile Sexual Assault Allegation Dropped Through Early Intervention

A 16-year-old student was accused of sexually assaulting a classmate and girlfriend while at school. Both were in the school band, and the incident occurred in a practice room. The allegation carried the risk of felony charges, possible prison time, and mandatory sex offender registration. Senior trial attorney Kriti Sharma acted immediately, conducting a thorough investigation including:

• Reviewing text messages and social media interactions between the students
• Coordinating a voluntary interview with the detective to clarify facts
• Presenting evidence demonstrating the encounter was consensual and mischaracterized

Thanks to early intervention and careful advocacy, the charges were dropped, protecting the juvenile from a criminal record, incarceration, and sex offender registration. This case highlights the importance of prompt legal guidance, meticulous investigation, and strategic advocacy in sensitive juvenile cases, safeguarding a young client’s future.

Did you know?

Texas’ “Romeo & Juliet” law protects teens

Texas’ “Romeo & Juliet” law protects teens in consensual relationships where both are at least 14 and less than three years apart in age. If you’re under 21 and accused of a sex crime involving someone close in age, this exception could help you avoid mandatory sex offender registration.

Call Barbieri Law Firm—Because the Right Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Change Your Life.

Criminal accusations don’t just threaten your legal record—they threaten your entire life. Don’t wait. When you’re facing criminal charges in any of the counties in North, East, South, or Central Texas, you need a legal team that knows how to win and how to protect you while doing it.

Ready to Fight Back? Call Barbieri Law Firm Today.

Let our seasoned criminal defense lawyers show you what real defense looks like. Call us now or schedule a confidential consultation. We’re the team prosecutors warn each other about. Call 972-424-1902.