Juvenile Criminal Attorney in Hidalgo County

Is Your Child Facing a Juvenile Crime Charge in Hidalgo County? Their Future Is on the Line

If your child faces juvenile charges in Hidalgo County, you need clear answers and reliable guidance right away. At Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC, our team helps families move through the local juvenile justice process with confidence. We understand the concerns that come with these situations and provide straightforward information, so you can make smart choices for your child's future.

When you contact us, we listen first and offer an honest, detailed overview of what to expect. Parents and guardians find reassurance knowing a local juvenile criminal defense attorney understands both the legal procedures and the unique challenges in Hidalgo County. We focus on personal attention—helping your family step forward with informed decisions from the beginning.

We offer bilingual and free consultations. Call Anthony M. Ortega Law at (956) 300-1402 or reach out online today and let our juvenile criminal attorney in Hidalgo County start fighting for your child's future.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Services in Hidalgo County

Texas law treats juvenile offenses differently from adult crimes, so you need a juvenile criminal lawyer in Hidalgo County who can explain the unique laws and procedures here. From an initial detention hearing to final resolution, you’ll have support at every step. 

Our firm works to:

• Review your child's situation and break down complex legal terms in plain language
• Explain local court processes, timelines, and possible outcomes unique to juvenile proceedings in the area
• Help you consider available options and alternatives suited to your family’s goals and your child's needs
• Coordinate with necessary agencies to ensure information and deadlines are handled correctly

Every family’s situation is different, and we adjust our guidance to fit your circumstances. Courts in Hidalgo County factor in local resources, schools, and programs when assessing a juvenile case. This can affect the kind of programs or services your child might be eligible for—an advantage of partnering with a firm rooted in this community. 

Our firm leverages strong connections to area systems and deep local insight, helping you navigate a process designed to give young people a chance at a positive outcome.

Understanding Juvenile Justice in Texas

In Texas, a juvenile is defined as a person between the ages of 10 and 17. The juvenile justice system is governed by the Texas Family Code, Title 3, which outlines a separate set of laws and procedures from the adult criminal justice system. The types of crimes a juvenile can be charged with are similar to those in the adult system, but they are referred to as "delinquent conduct" or "conduct indicating a need for supervision."

The primary goal of the juvenile system is to rehabilitate the child and prevent future delinquent conduct, not to simply punish them. However, a child can still face serious consequences, including detention and a permanent record.

In some cases, a child can even be tried as an adult through a process known as a "Waiver of Jurisdiction." The court can waive its jurisdiction and transfer a case to adult criminal court if the child is 14 years or older and the alleged offense is a felony. This is a severe consequence that requires an aggressive and strategic defense. A skilled Hidalgo County juvenile crimes defense lawyer will fight to keep your child's case in juvenile court.

The Texas Juvenile Defense Process

The legal process for a juvenile is different from the adult system. Our firm will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you and your child are protected and well-informed.

1. Referral: The process begins with a "referral" to the juvenile probation department. This is similar to a criminal complaint or arrest in the adult system.
2. Detention Hearing: If your child is taken into custody, a detention hearing must be held within 48 hours to determine if the child should remain in a juvenile detention facility. We will be there to argue for your child's release.
3. Adjudication Hearing: This is the juvenile equivalent of a trial. The prosecution must prove that your child engaged in the alleged "delinquent conduct" beyond a reasonable doubt. Our firm will challenge the prosecution's evidence and defend your child in court.
4. Disposition Hearing: If a child is found to have engaged in delinquent conduct, a disposition hearing is held to determine the "punishment." The court's primary goal is rehabilitation, and the disposition can range from probation to placement in a juvenile detention facility.
5. Transfer to Adult Court: In serious felony cases, a motion may be filed to transfer your child's case to adult court. We will fight this motion and present evidence to the court that your child is amenable to the juvenile justice system.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Juvenile Defense

As former prosecutors, our firm has a unique and powerful perspective on how to handle juvenile cases. We understand the goals of the juvenile system and we know how to work with prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome for your child.

• Challenging Evidence: We will scrutinize the prosecution's evidence to ensure your child's rights were not violated. We will challenge the legality of any searches or interrogations and seek to have any illegally obtained evidence suppressed.
• Seeking Diversion Programs: We will work to get your child into a diversion program, which can result in the charges being dismissed and a clean record for your child.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: Our experience as former prosecutors gives us an edge in negotiations. We will work with the prosecutor to get the charges reduced or dismissed and to secure a favorable disposition.
• Fighting Against Adult Certification: If the state seeks to have your child tried as an adult, we will mount an aggressive defense to keep the case in juvenile court. An experienced juvenile criminal attorney in Hidalgo County is essential for this fight.

Why Families Choose Our Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

Families across the area want more than legal knowledge—they want personal service from a juvenile defense attorney who understands their needs. 

Learn what makes our approach different:

• Direct communication: You always speak to your attorney, not a staff member. Our policy ensures clients never feel left out or in the dark.
• Personalized attention: Every case receives focused, one-on-one service and timely updates, so you stay current on every stage of your child's case.
• Community knowledge: As a long-time resident, our attorney recognizes the distinct challenges families encounter in the Hidalgo County juvenile system. This insight shapes our guidance at every turn.
• Accessible & affordable options: We offer free initial consultations and flexible fee arrangements that help local families find the support they need. We’re upfront about the cost and your options from the start.

We intentionally maintain a manageable caseload so we can respond to you quickly and give each family the attention they deserve. You have real access to your juvenile defense lawyer and regular, honest communication throughout your child’s proceedings. We build lasting trust through this responsive approach and local focus.

Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Hidalgo County Today

If you want honest, compassionate advice from a local juvenile criminal defense attorney, contact Anthony M. Ortega Law, PLLC now for a free, low-pressure consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and provide a path forward for your family. 

Call (956) 300-1402 or reach out online to schedule your meeting. Take the first step toward safeguarding your child's future today.