Understanding Juvenile Detention in Dallas After an Arrest

Understanding Juvenile Detention in Dallas After an Arrest

Getting arrested as a juvenile can be an incredibly scary and confusing experience. The juvenile justice system has its own unique laws and procedures that are different from the adult system. This article provides a simple, conversational overview of what happens when a juvenile gets arrested in Dallas, with a focus on the detention process.

The Juvenile Justice System in Texas

The juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate youth and emphasize accountability, not just punish them like adults. Juveniles have special protections, like keeping records sealed so they get a second chance at life. The age of a “juvenile” in Texas is 10-16 years old.

Juveniles who are accused of crimes go through an intake process, then might have a detention hearing, adjudication trial, disposition sentencing, and probation. More serious offenders could be sent to a juvenile detention facility while their case is pending or after sentencing.

After an Arrest: Intake

When a kid gets arrested in Dallas, they are taken to the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center. This is NOT an adult jail – it’s specifically for youth ages 10-16.

At the detention center, the child will go through intake. This involves:

• Getting photographed and fingerprinted
• Talking to staff about basic info like health conditions
• Staff deciding whether to keep the child detained or release them

A probation officer will look at the case and recommend if the child should be released or stay detained. Things like a serious offense, history of running away, and lack of parental supervision make detention more likely.

The Detention Hearing

If intake decides to detain the child, Texas law requires a detention hearing within 1-2 business days. This hearing is in front of a juvenile court judge.

The purpose is for the judge to hear arguments and evidence about whether the juvenile should stay in detention or be released while their case proceeds. The presumption is that the child should be released unless the judge finds a strong reason not to.

At the hearing, the judge will hear from the probation officer, prosecutors, defense attorney, parents, and the juvenile. The judge can ask anyone questions. The child does not have to say anything – that can’t be used against them later.

The judge decides whether to release the juvenile based on factors like:

• Risk of running away
• Having supervision at home
• Safety of the community

If released, there will be rules to follow at home. If detained, another hearing must happen within 10 days.

Being Detained as a Juvenile

Getting detained is not fun – the Dallas County facility is a secure, jail-like environment. But there are some key differences from adult jails:

• No solitary confinement
• Access to education
• Focus is rehabilitation, not punishment
• Completely separate from adult inmates

While detained, the child will have access to programs, counseling, education, recreation, etc. Families can visit, but it is limited.

Kids don’t get set “bail” – the judge either releases them or doesn’t. How long they stay depends on the case, but there are limits based on the offense.

After Detention: The Adjudication Trial

If the juvenile is detained, the next big step is an adjudication trial, which is like a “guilt phase” trial for adults. This has to happen within 10 days if the juvenile is detained.

Key parts of adjudication:

• Right to an attorney – public defender if can’t afford
• Rules of evidence apply
• Jury can decide guilt (for felonies)
• Must be proven guilty “beyond reasonable doubt”

If found guilty, the court moves to the disposition phase, which is like the “sentencing phase” for adults.

Disposition – Juvenile Sentencing

A disposition hearing happens after a guilty verdict. This is when the judge decides what should happen to the juvenile as a result of their offense. Options include:

• Probation – most common outcome
• Community programs
• Mental health / drug treatment
• Restitution payments
• Out-of-home placement – “juvie”
• For serious crimes, adult certification

Probation involves close supervision in the community, with conditions like curfews, counseling, community service, etc. Violating probation can result in detention time.

Out-of-home placement means the juvenile is committed to a secure residential facility run by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. There are minimum lengths of stay based on the offense.

Takeaways

The juvenile system tries to rehabilitate youth while holding them accountable. For minor offenses, counseling and probation in the community are common. But serious or repeat offenders may face detention time until age 19.

Having an experienced juvenile defense attorney is crucial. The process can be complex but staying engaged as a family will lead to the best results.