Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney, Victoria, Texas

Overview

When a child is accused of a crime in Texas, everything changes—for them and for you. What most parents don’t realize is that the juvenile system isn’t designed to give your child the benefit of the doubt. It’s designed to classify, process, and punish—quickly.

Whether your child is facing detention, expulsion, probation, or possible certification as an adult, you need a lawyer who knows how to fight hard and move fast. I’m Richard Hinds, and I’ve been defending kids and teens in Texas courts since 1998. I’m also a licensed private investigator—one of fewer than 20 attorneys in the entire state with both credentials.

When your child’s future is on the line, you can’t afford to make mistakes.

What Kinds of Juvenile Cases Do I Handle?

I represent minors accused of:

• Assault (school fights, family altercations)

• Sexual offenses (including false allegations between minors)

• Possession of marijuana, THC, or other drugs

• Alcohol or vaping offenses

• Criminal mischief, graffiti, trespassing

• Theft, shoplifting, or robbery

• Carrying weapons at school

• Threats, social media harassment, or “terroristic threats”

• Gang or “organized criminal activity” charges

• Juvenile probation violations or runaway cases

From minor offenses to very serious felonies, I handle every level of juvenile case. No charge is too small when it’s your kid.

What Makes Juvenile Cases Different?

The Texas juvenile justice system has its own rules, its own courts, and its own terminology. Your child is not called a “defendant.” Their case isn’t tried in a regular criminal court. But make no mistake—the consequences are very real.

Depending on the charge and the age of the child, a juvenile case can lead to:

• Juvenile detention (jail for kids)

• Probation or placement in a secure facility

• Suspension or expulsion from school

• A permanent record, even though everyone says “it’s sealed”

• Certification as an adult and transfer to the adult criminal justice system

Juvenile prosecutors are often overzealous and undertrained. Some will push for harsh outcomes just to make an example out of your child. I don’t let that happen.

I Investigate the Case—Even When Nobody Else Does

Most juvenile cases are charged based on:

• School reports

• Second-hand accusations

• Poorly handled interviews

• Social media posts

• Unrecorded confessions

As a licensed private investigator, I go beyond the paperwork. My team and I track down the real story—what happened, who was there, and what can be proven in court. That includes:

• Reviewing school surveillance footage

• Interviewing witnesses the school or police ignored

• Challenging improper questioning of minors

• Investigating false allegations from other teens

• Pulling social media metadata, phone data, and chat logs

If your child is accused, you cannot count on the school or state to be fair. That’s my job.

Has the State Filed a Petition or Set a Detention Hearing?

When a juvenile is arrested or detained, the court must hold a detention hearing within 2 business days. This is your first and best chance to get your child released.

I will:

• Appear at the detention hearing to argue for release

• Negotiate with the juvenile prosecutor to avoid unnecessary probation or placement

• Fight for diversion, informal resolution, or outright dismissal

• Keep the case from snowballing into something worse

If the charge is serious and the state is threatening certification as an adult, I’ll challenge it directly. I’ve successfully fought to keep minors in juvenile court and out of adult prison—where they don’t belong.

If You’re a Parent, Here’s What You Need to Know

• Do not let your child speak to police, school staff, or CPS without legal counsel.

• Do not assume this will just “go away.” Juvenile records aren’t automatically erased.

• Do not agree to anything without talking to me first.

I’ll walk you through the system, keep your child protected, and give you a strategy from day one.

Flat Fee. No Hidden Costs. Payment Plans Available.

I charge a flat fee that covers the entire case—no extra charges if we go to hearing, no surprises. I often accept partial payment upfront and work with families under pressure.

Call or Text Anytime: (361) 648-1759

Richard Hinds, JD/PI – Criminal Defense Attorney & Licensed Private Investigator
Serving Victoria, Cuero, Hallettsville, Refugio, Edna, Port Lavaca, Goliad & All Surrounding Counties

Your Child Deserves a Second Chance.
Don’t Let a Mistake Become a Life Sentence. Call Me Before Anyone Else.

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