Finding out your child is being charged with a crime is a difficult experience. You do not want your child’s entire future to hang in the balance simply due to a youthful mistake or lack of judgment. At the end of the adjudication process, your child will face one of three outcomes, should they be found to have committed an illegal act.
Possible outcomes for juvenile adjudication
If a juvenile has been charged with delinquent conduct, they are afforded the same rights that an adult facing criminal charges would have. As long as the juvenile is not being tried as an adult, there are three outcomes that could follow being adjudicated or found “guilty” for delinquent conduct.
One outcome is for the juvenile to be sentenced to probation. The juvenile can only be placed on probation until they are age 18.
If the juvenile is adjudicated with a felony crime, they may be sent to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department with an indeterminate sentence. The juvenile must be discharged by age 19.
Finally, depending on the crime, the juvenile may be sent to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department with a determinate sentence. They can be transferred to adult prison on or after age 16. Whether this is done depends in part on the juvenile’s behavior and progress.
Protect your child’s rights
It can be very difficult for your child to be accused of delinquent conduct. The juvenile justice system can be confusing to those unfamiliar with it, and as a parent, you want to ensure your child is treated fairly throughout the process.
It is hoped that juveniles adjudicated with a delinquent offense can be rehabilitated, especially since they are still growing and maturing. Given this, it is essential that a juvenile’s rights are protected if the juvenile is accused of a crime.
