Juvenile Criminal Attorney In Irving

Support For Families When A Child Faces Charges

Getting a call that your child has been arrested or is under investigation is frightening. You may be worried about the court, anxious about your child’s future, and unsure who to trust. As a juvenile criminal attorney that Irving parents can turn to for guidance, I focus on helping families through exactly these moments.

At Kelley Legal, I represent young people who are accused of crimes in and around Irving. Juvenile cases in Texas are handled differently from adult criminal cases, and the choices you make early on can affect your child’s record, school options, and future opportunities. My role is to explain those choices clearly and stand between your child and the system. I intentionally keep my caseload low so I can give each family personal attention. When you work with me, you speak directly with the attorney handling your child’s case. If your family is more comfortable in Spanish, I can communicate with you in Spanish without relying on outside translators. If your child has been accused of a crime, you do not have to face the juvenile system alone.

Call (469) 564-3420 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

How I Help Families Facing Juvenile Charges

When a child is accused of a crime, parents need more than legal knowledge. You need someone who will listen carefully, answer questions, and give you honest guidance. I start by meeting with you and your child to understand what happened and what your concerns are.

During our first conversations, I explained what the charges mean and what the range of possible outcomes might look like. I avoid legal jargon and take the time to answer every question, even if you think it is small. Because I limit the number of cases I handle, I can stay involved in the details, keep you updated, and prepare your child for each hearing or meeting. I know that language can be a barrier, especially when parents are more comfortable in Spanish than in English. I offer bilingual communication so you can describe what happened, ask questions, and understand your options in the language that feels natural to you. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and helps you make informed decisions for your child.

For families who are not citizens, juvenile charges may carry additional worries. My office is in a shared space with immigration attorneys, and I am mindful of how juvenile cases can intersect with immigration law. I consider potential immigration consequences when I advise you about options such as plea agreements, and I encourage families to discuss their status with appropriate counsel when needed.

Understanding The Juvenile Court Process

The juvenile justice system in Texas has its own rules, courts, and terminology. For families in the Irving area, juvenile cases typically move through the Dallas County juvenile system, not the adult criminal courts. Understanding the general steps can make a frightening situation feel more manageable.

A case can begin with an arrest, a referral from school, or a complaint by another person. After that, an intake department reviews the case to decide how to proceed. In some situations, there may be a detention hearing where a judge decides whether a child will stay in a juvenile facility or return home while the case is pending. The specific path depends on the allegations, prior history, and other factors.

If the case is formally filed, there is usually an adjudication hearing, which serves a similar function to a trial. The court considers the evidence and decides whether the child engaged in delinquent conduct under Texas law. If so, the case moves to a disposition phase, where the court considers the appropriate response. This can range from probation to placement outside the home, depending on the facts. School issues, counseling, and probation officers can all become part of a juvenile case. Courts often look at whether a child is in school, whether there are behavior issues, and what support is available at home. I help families prepare for these discussions so they can present a full picture of their child, not just the allegation in the report.

Practical steps you can take right now:

• Do not let your child talk to police or school investigators about the incident without first speaking with an attorney.
• Write down everything you and your child remember about what happened, including the names of witnesses and any messages or videos.
• Gather school records, prior reports, and any documents you have received from law enforcement or probation.
• Reach out promptly to a juvenile defense attorney so you understand what to expect before the next hearing or meeting.

My goal is to walk you through each of these stages so you are not surprised by what happens in court. When we work together, I explain not only what the next hearing is, but also what we will be trying to accomplish at that hearing.

Protecting Your Child’s Future & Record

Most parents tell me their biggest fear is how a juvenile case might affect their child years from now. They worry about college, jobs, scholarships, and even military service. Juvenile records in Texas can sometimes be sealed or limited, but outcomes early in the case can affect what is possible later.

In many juvenile matters, there may be options such as diversion, informal supervision, or negotiated outcomes that reduce long-term impact. The availability of those paths depends on factors like the type of allegation, prior history, and the child’s performance in school. I work to identify the options that fit your child’s specific situation, then explain the pros and cons in plain language. For families with immigration concerns, a juvenile case can be especially stressful. Some outcomes may have consequences for current or future immigration status, while others may pose less risk. Because I share space with immigration attorneys, I am accustomed to spotting issues that might require additional advice. I discuss potential immigration considerations with you when we talk about plea options or long-term strategies.

Protecting a child’s future is not only about the court record. It also involves keeping the school on track and supporting the child through counseling or services when helpful. I talk with parents about how court requirements might interact with school schedules and activities, and I encourage families to think about what support their child will need after the case is over. If you are worried about how this case could follow your child into adulthood, we can sit down and talk through what is at stake and what can be done to limit harm. Every case is different, but you do not have to guess about the long-term impact alone.

Why Work With A Local Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Irving

Choosing someone who understands how juvenile cases from Irving move through the courts can make a real difference in how prepared you feel. Cases that begin with an incident in this area are generally handled through the Dallas County juvenile courts and related agencies. Each court and department has its own routines, expectations, and ways of handling specific issues. As a juvenile defense lawyer, I pay attention to how cases typically unfold in this system. This helps me explain likely timelines, what information judges tend to focus on, and how probation may approach certain concerns. While no attorney controls the outcome, local knowledge can help set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary surprises.

Working with a smaller firm also affects your experience. When you contact Kelley Legal, you are not passed from person to person. I meet with you, prepare your child for hearings, and stay in touch as the case progresses. If something changes at school or at home, you can reach out so we can adjust our approach.

For many parents, meeting in person with someone who knows the area and the juvenile courts brings a sense of relief. You are not asking general questions on the internet. You are talking directly with an attorney about your child’s situation. If your child has a pending case, I invite you to reach out so we can discuss what is happening and what comes next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this juvenile charge stay on my child’s record?

Some juvenile records can be limited or sealed under Texas law, but it depends on the charge, outcome, and history. I explain how different options affect your child’s record and what may be possible in the future, so you understand how today’s decisions can influence tomorrow.

What happens next after my child is arrested?

After an arrest, a juvenile case typically goes through intake, and there may be a detention hearing, then later an adjudication or other resolution. The exact steps vary by case. When you contact me, I review where things stand and outline what you can expect over the coming weeks.

How often will I be able to speak with you?

Because I keep a lower caseload, I can stay in regular contact with families. I schedule time to update you after key developments and respond to questions as they arise. You will know how to reach me and what to expect in terms of communication.

Can you help us in Spanish if we prefer?

Yes. I can meet and speak with you in Spanish if that is more comfortable for your family. This allows you to explain what happened and understand your options without relying on outside translators, which helps avoid confusion about important details.

Could my child’s case affect our immigration status?

Some juvenile outcomes may have immigration consequences, especially for non-citizen families. I am careful to flag situations where immigration concerns might be involved and encourage families to speak with appropriate counsel. When we discuss plea options, I take potential immigration impact into account.

Talk With Me About Your Child’s Case

Juvenile charges are serious, but you and your child do not have to face them without guidance. As a juvenile defense attorney, Irving families can consult. I focus on personal attention, clear explanations, and practical strategies to protect a young person’s future as much as possible.

When you contact Kelley Legal, you speak with the attorney who will handle your child’s case. I keep my caseload small, offer bilingual Spanish support, and take the time to walk you through each step in the process. If your child is facing allegations in the Irving area, the next step is to talk through what is happening and what options may be available.

Call (469) 564-3420 to talk with me about your child’s juvenile case.