Is Your Child Facing Criminal Charges in Frisco, TX?
Few moments are more frightening than learning your child has been arrested—especially when the accusation involves violence, drugs, weapons, or sexual misconduct. Parents are often overwhelmed by how fast the system moves and how little room there is for error.
Texas juvenile cases can escalate quickly. What begins as a juvenile matter can evolve into:
- Long-term detention
- Commitment to a state facility
- Or certification to stand trial as an adult
At Whalen Law Office, we represent families whose children are facing high-risk juvenile allegations—cases where the outcome will shape the rest of a young person’s life. Our approach is strategic, defense-driven, and focused on minimizing long-term damage, not just resolving the immediate charge.
If your child has been accused of a serious offense, do not wait. Call (214) 368-2560 to speak with a defense attorney who understands what is at stake.
Focused Defense for High-Stakes Juvenile Cases
Juvenile court is often described as “rehabilitative,” but that promise only holds true when a child has a strong advocate pushing back against the system. Prosecutors may still seek harsh outcomes—especially when the alleged offense is violent or politically sensitive.
A juvenile defense attorney’s role is not passive. It is to challenge evidence, protect constitutional rights, and prevent irreversible outcomes.
We work to:
- Expose unlawful searches, interrogations, or school-based investigations
- Challenge weak or overstated allegations
- Prevent unnecessary detention or TJJD commitment
- Fight certification efforts that would place your child in adult court
- Protect your child’s future education, career, and record
Juvenile cases demand careful handling—because mistakes at this stage follow a child into adulthood.
Juvenile Charges That Require Immediate Legal Action
While juvenile courts see a wide range of offenses, some accusations carry exceptionally high risk and demand experienced legal defense from the outset.
We frequently defend juveniles accused of:
Violent Felony Allegations
Assault causing serious injury, aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide-related charges place juveniles at risk of extended confinement—or adult prosecution.
Weapons Offenses
Firearms or weapon possession, especially on school grounds, can trigger automatic detention and aggressive prosecution.
Drug Felonies
THC concentrates, distribution allegations, or repeat drug offenses often expose juveniles to felony-level consequences.
Sexual Allegations
Sex offense accusations involving juveniles are among the most damaging cases a family can face. These matters require immediate, discreet, and highly strategic defense to prevent life-altering outcomes.
Repeat or Escalating Offenses
A juvenile with prior court involvement faces harsher scrutiny and increased certification risk.
These cases are not “minor mistakes.” They are situations where early legal strategy determines whether a child keeps their future.
What Are The Penalties For Juvenile Crimes In Texas?
Juveniles aren’t sentenced the same way as adults, but they can still face long-term consequences. The court’s primary goal is rehabilitation, but that doesn’t mean the process is lenient or forgiving.
Penalties may include:
- Deferred prosecution: A kind of informal probation without an adjudication
- Formal probation: Supervised terms with court-imposed conditions like school attendance, counseling, or community service
- Juvenile detention: Short-term confinement in a local facility, typically during the legal process
- Commitment to TJJD: Placement in a state-run juvenile facility, sometimes until the youth turns 19
- Fines, restitution, or community service: Additional penalties depending on the offense
The stakes go beyond court-imposed punishments. A juvenile record can limit a young person’s college, military, or job opportunities. That’s why every case deserves careful attention and a defense built to protect the future.
Which Juvenile Crimes Can Result In The Juvenile Being Tried As An Adult?
Some charges lead prosecutors to seek what’s called a certification to stand trial as an adult. If granted, juvenile certifications transfer the case from juvenile court to the adult criminal system. That changes everything—from sentencing exposure to public records and prison time.
Juveniles 14 or older may be certified for adult court if accused of:
- First-degree felonies like aggravated robbery or aggravated assault
- Violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, or sexual assault
- Repeat felony offenses, especially if the juvenile has been in trouble before
Certification isn’t automatic. Prosecutors must request it, and the judge must hold a hearing to decide whether the transfer is appropriate. A strong legal defense can help prevent that transfer and keep the case in juvenile court, where options for rehabilitation are more likely.
Unlawful Searches and Juvenile Interrogations
Juveniles are especially vulnerable during police and school investigations. Officers may:
- Search backpacks, lockers, or phones without proper legal grounds
- Question minors without a parent or attorney present
- Use intimidation or pressure to obtain statements
If law enforcement violated your child’s constitutional rights, critical evidence may be suppressed—often weakening the prosecution’s entire case.
We closely examine every step of the investigation to identify rights violations and leverage them in your child’s defense.
What To Do If Your Child Gets Arrested
A call from the police or school about your child being in custody stops everything in its tracks. In that moment, what you do next matters.
Here’s how to respond:
- Stay calm and respectful when speaking with officers or officials
- Ask where your child is being held and what the charges are
- Tell your child not to answer any questions without a lawyer present
- Don’t let your child sign anything until you’ve spoken to an attorney
- Contact a juvenile defense lawyer immediately
Children often say things that hurt their case without even realizing it. Police may record interviews or use written statements as evidence later. Getting legal help early limits that risk and gives your family a better chance at a fair outcome.
How Whalen Law Office Protects Juveniles and Their Futures
We do not treat juvenile cases casually—because the consequences are anything but minor.
When you hire Whalen Law Office, you get:
- Strategic defense from an attorney experienced in serious felony litigation
- Clear guidance during an overwhelming process
- Aggressive advocacy against detention, certification, and overcharging
- A defense plan focused on long-term outcomes—not just short-term resolution
We approach juvenile defense with the same seriousness required in adult felony cases, because that is often where these cases are headed if not handled correctly.
Why Families Trust Whalen Law Office
Choosing the right attorney may be the most important decision you make for your child.
Serious Defense for Serious Accusations
We are not a volume practice. We focus on cases where the stakes are highest and the margin for error is smallest.
Clear, Honest Communication
You will know where the case stands, what risks exist, and what strategies are available—without confusion or false promises.
Relentless Protection of Your Child’s Future
Our goal is simple: keep your child out of adult court, out of long-term confinement, and positioned for a future beyond this moment.
Speak With a Frisco Juvenile Defense Attorney Today
A juvenile charge does not have to define your child’s life—but waiting too long can. If your child is facing a serious accusation or the risk of adult prosecution, contact Whalen Law Office today for a confidential consultation.
Whalen Law Office – Frisco Location
9300 John Hickman Pkwy #501
Frisco, TX 75035
P: (214) 368-2560
