What Is Going to Happen to my Child? Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen Explains

Sunday, March 15, 2015

What Is Going to Happen to my Child? Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen Explains

What is Going to Happen to my Child? A Police Officer says my child is being charged with a crime.

Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen

When juveniles are charged with a crime, they are often taken into custody by the police. Some times, the child is released to a parent or guardian by the police. The parents are informed that their child is being charged but they can take their child home when this happens. The police will then send their information regarding the case to the District Attorney over the next few days or weeks. Upon receiving the information, if the District Attorney decides to accept charges on the juvenile, a petition is filed with the juvenile courts. After it is filed, a Deputy Constable will come to your home and personally "serve" the child and his parents with documents instructing them to appear in court on a particulate date.

At the same time, the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department begins their process of gathering information about your child and your family. The probation department is responsible for preparing a probation report for the court, the prosecutor and the defense attorney. A probation office usually will call you or your child to discuss his situation. The probation officer may call you early on in the case even before the petition is filed with the court.

Before you speak with the probation officer, it is critical that you and your child consult with his or her juvenile defense attorney because you must be careful to safeguard your child's rights. It is good to be cooperative with the probation department but it is better to talk to a juvenile defense lawyer first. Understand that the contents of the probation report that is given to the court and the prosecutor to consider is mostly based on the information which you have provided.

To discuss your child's case before your talk to the probation officer, you can call Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen at 832-480-8951

Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen has over 22 years experience representing persons accused of committing criminal violations of State and Federal law.

Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen treats every person they represent as if they were a friend and neighbor. When you call, likely Andy Nolen will answer your call himself. You will be dealing with Attorneys, not secretaries, assistants, or answering machines.

If we can be of any assistance, or you just want to talk about your situation, please call Houston Juvenile Defense Attorney Andy Nolen at 832-480-8951