What Parents Should Do After a Child's Arrest

 Posted on April 15, 2024 in Criminal Defense

As a parent, finding out that your child has been arrested can be deeply upsetting. Whether you suspected your child was doing things that put him at risk of getting arrested or thought that your child was a rule-follower, getting a phone call from the local police station can send you into a panic. Juveniles who get involved with the justice system often have options that adult offenders would not and usually have the opportunity to seal their records after reaching adulthood. However, you should still take your child’s arrest very seriously. The most important thing you can do is to immediately contact a Plano, TX juvenile criminal defense lawyer.

Tips for Parents Whose Child Has Been Charged With a Crime 

You are likely worried about everything from whether your child is safe right now to how this arrest could affect his chances at college admission. Some guidelines that may help include: 

• Consider mental health care - If your child is not already getting professional mental health care, now is probably the time to start treatment. Juveniles who get into legal trouble are often struggling with mental illness, such as Bipolar Disorder or substance abuse. If your child’s arrest was alcohol or drug-related, your child likely has a budding substance abuse problem.
• Let him take responsibility - While your instinct might be to get your child out of trouble no matter what, this can be a disservice. Children can benefit in the long term from being held accountable for their actions. Unless you are positive your child was arrested for something he did not do - such as an assault that happened while you were with him - shielding him from the consequences completely may not be the answer. Diversion programs can get troubled children the help they need. It is far better for a child to experience this type of consequence as a juvenile than to learn that you will protect him and get arrested again as an adult. 
• Get an attorney - The most important thing you can do for your child is to find him a lawyer. An attorney can work with your child and the court to achieve the most positive resolution possible. Your child may be eligible for a juvenile diversion program that can prevent him from having a criminal record or have his charges reasonably reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. 

You should think long-term when your child is facing criminal charges. While getting a call from your child in jail can be scary, most juvenile cases can be resolved without life-ruining consequences.

Contact a Collin County, TX Juvenile Justice Lawyer 

Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. is committed to protecting the rights of juveniles who have been arrested. Our experienced Plano, TX juvenile criminal defense attorneys will work to resolve your case so that your child has a positive outcome. Contact us at 469-333-3333 for a complimentary consultation.