Juvenile Crimes

Juvenile Defense Attorney in Georgetown, TX

Former Prosecutors Defending Minors in Williamson County

A juvenile charge in Williamson County can affect your child’s education, employment, and long-term record. At Winters & Chidester, our Georgetown juvenile defense attorneys James Winters and Veronica Chidester are both former Texas prosecutors. That background gives us direct insight into how the Williamson County DA’s office builds cases against juveniles, and we use that knowledge to shape the defense from day one.

Georgetown is the county seat of Williamson County, and the county carries a reputation for aggressive prosecution. The right criminal defense lawyer matters enormously here. We offer free consultations and serve clients in both English and Spanish.

Schedule your initial consultation online or by calling us at (512) 961-4555. Speak with a Georgetown juvenile lawyer near you.

How Texas Juvenile Law Differs from Adult Court

Texas juvenile law is governed by the Texas Family Code, not the Penal Code, and the procedures differ meaningfully from adult criminal court. The system prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, but that doesn’t mean the stakes are low. Adjudication can still result in probation, placement at the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center, or detention, and those outcomes can follow a young person.

A few distinctions families need to understand:

Age and charge scope: Children under 17 can be charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses in juvenile court.
Certification as an adult: A juvenile charged with a serious or violent offense may be certified as an adult and tried in adult criminal court, carrying full adult sentencing consequences. Under Texas Family Code § 54.02, certification is available beginning at age 14 for capital felonies and first-degree felonies.
Jury trial rights: Under the Texas Family Code, the adjudication hearing is by jury unless the juvenile waives that right. The right to a jury belongs to the juvenile, not the state.
Required parental attendance: Texas law requires a parent or legal guardian to attend the juvenile’s court hearings in Williamson County. Failure to appear can result in consequences for the parent, including fines and court-ordered counseling or educational courses.

Our Approach to Juvenile Cases in Georgetown

We handle juvenile defense across three consistent priorities.

Prosecutor Perspective Applied to Defense
James Winters and Veronica Chidester both served as Texas prosecutors before moving to the defense side. When we evaluate a juvenile case, we’re assessing it the way the Williamson County DA’s office may, which tells us where the prosecution is strong, where it’s vulnerable, and how to position our client before charges are formally pursued.

Family-Centered Representation
We work closely with both the minor and their family throughout the case. Parents and guardians are kept informed and involved at every stage. A juvenile case is a family matter, and we treat it that way.

Evidentiary Defense & Charge Reduction
We challenge evidence, examine the legality of arrest procedures, and pursue dismissals and charge reductions where the facts support them. Rehabilitation-focused outcomes are a priority, but not at the expense of a thorough defense.

Types of Juvenile Crimes We Handle

We represent minors across a wide range of charges in Georgetown and throughout Williamson County, including:

Theft and Burglary: Juvenile theft and burglary charges can carry serious consequences. We work to understand the circumstances and build a defense aimed at reducing charges and finding alternatives to detention, such as community service or counseling.
Drug Offenses: Drug-related charges among juveniles range from possession to distribution. We focus on exploring treatment and rehabilitation options to address underlying issues and reduce the risk of future offenses.
Assault: Assault and aggravated assault charges can significantly affect a juvenile’s future. We investigate thoroughly, looking for mitigating circumstances and evidence of self-defense to build the strongest possible case.
Vandalism and Property Crimes: Property crime charges can lead to severe penalties. We negotiate with prosecutors and the court to pursue resolutions that emphasize restitution and rehabilitation over detention.
Underage Drinking and DWI: Underage drinking and DWI charges can have lasting effects on a juvenile’s driving record and future opportunities. Our Georgetown juvenile attorneys challenge the evidence and pursue alternatives focused on education and prevention.

Common charges in Williamson County also include fake ID use, curfew violations, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct. Felony-level offenses carry the added risk of certification as an adult, which makes early legal intervention especially consequential.

Deferred Disposition & Record Sealing in Texas

For many juvenile cases, the goal isn’t just to defend against the current charge. It’s to protect your child’s record long term. Deferred disposition is a probationary option under Texas law that allows for charge dismissal after the juvenile successfully completes conditions set by the court. Completing that process can make the juvenile eligible to seal their record.

Juvenile non-traffic court records in Williamson County are confidential, but a sealed or expunged record provides stronger protection for college applications, employment backgrounds, and professional licensing. Early intervention by a juvenile defense lawyer can improve eligibility for diversion programs and deferred disposition before formal adjudication proceeds. That window closes as the case moves forward, which is why timing matters.

Contact a Georgetown Juvenile Defense Lawyer

If your child has been charged or detained in Williamson County, don’t wait. Winters & Chidester offers free consultations for families facing juvenile criminal charges in Georgetown and across Williamson County. We’re available by phone at (512) 961-4555 or through our online contact form, and we serve clients in English and Spanish.

How Winters & Chidester Handles Your Child’s Case

When a juvenile is detained in Texas, a detention hearing must be held no later than the second working day after the child is taken into custody, to determine whether the minor is held or released to a parent or guardian. That hearing is the first critical moment in the case. The juvenile retains the same constitutional rights as an adult, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and parents are notified of the detention and have the right to visit their child.

Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation

We begin with a thorough initial consultation to understand the specifics of your child’s case. James Winters and Veronica Chidester both bring former-prosecutor experience to that first evaluation, assessing the case the way the Williamson County DA’s office may frame its evidence. That perspective shapes everything that follows.

Investigation & Courtroom Representation

Our team conducts a detailed investigation, reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We examine the procedures followed during the arrest to confirm your child’s rights were upheld at every step. Where they weren’t, we pursue suppression and dismissal.

We negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing focused on rehabilitation. If the case proceeds to a hearing, our litigators provide vigorous representation before the juvenile court judge. After resolution, we assist with expungement and provide guidance on the legal steps that follow.

Don’t leave your child’s future to chance. Contact a Georgetown juvenile defense lawyer at Winters & Chidester for the defense you need.

Contact a Georgetown Juvenile Lawyer

If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges in Georgetown, experienced legal representation matters from the start. The juvenile defense attorneys at Winters & Chidester provide skilled defense and genuine support for families navigating the Williamson County juvenile system. We serve minors and their families throughout Williamson County, offering one-on-one counsel and aggressive advocacy to protect your child’s rights and future.

Schedule your initial consultation through our online form or call (512) 961-4555 today to speak with a juvenile attorney near you.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case dismissed Tax Violation
We successfully represented a client charged with a tax-related violation, negotiating with the investigating agency and prosecution to secure a dismissal.
Case dismissed Drug Possession
We recently represented a person charged with drug possession. We were able to work out a deal that resulted in dismissal after the first court setting.
No Charges Filed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
We represented a woman under investigation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault family violence. By demonstrating she was actually the victim and providing key evidence to authorities, we prevented any charges from being filed against her.
Early Termination of Probation Probation
We assisted a client seeking early termination of probation. Despite objections from the prosecution and probation department, we successfully petitioned the court, and the client's probation was terminated early.
Case Dismissed Juvenile charged