Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in El Paso, TX

A summons is a notice that charges have been filed against your child and that the case is going to juvenile court. The summons must be served at least two days before the hearing, and it should contain information regarding the date, time, and location of the hearing, as well as a copy of the petition.

In addition to having the right to communicate privately with your child, parents are entitled to information including, but not limited to: the date and time your child was taken into custody; the name of the offense for which your child is charged, the names of other persons taken into custody with your child, and whether a weapon was involved.

Juveniles do not have a constitutional right to seek bail. But many juveniles are released to their parents or guardians prior to appearing in juvenile court.

A detention hearing is held after a child is taken into custody. Although it is one of the most informal of the hearings conducted in a juvenile case, a child still has the right to be represented by a juvenile defense attorney at this stage.

The Texas Family Code requires a disposition to be made in every case where it is found that the child needs rehabilitation, or there is a need to protect the child or the public. If none of these findings are made, a final judgment may be entered without a disposition.