Justin Wilson
Senior Attorney
FRISCO JUVENILE CRIME LAWYER
When your child faces criminal charges in Frisco, the decisions you make in the next few hours can impact their entire future. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, we understand that juvenile charges create overwhelming stress for families. Additionally, we provide the skilled legal representation your child needs to handle Collin County’s juvenile justice system.
Our Frisco juvenile crime lawyers have defended hundreds of minors facing charges ranging from minor in possession to serious felonies. Furthermore, former prosecutor Justin Wilson leads our team and brings insider knowledge of how the Collin County District Attorney’s office approaches juvenile cases. This gives your family a strategic advantage during this critical time.
Call 214-949-4117 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to protect your child’s future.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Juvenile Defense
When your child’s future is at stake, you need attorneys combining legal expertise with genuine compassion for young people and families. Attorney Justin Wilson’s former prosecutor background provides strategic advantages in negotiations and trial preparation, understanding how prosecutors evaluate cases, prioritize evidence, and determine negotiation willingness.
Our proven track record includes dismissed charges, reduced penalties, and successful alternative program completion keeping convictions off clients’ records.
Our deep understanding of Collin County’s juvenile court system comes from years of local practice and relationships with judges, prosecutors, and probation officers, allowing us to tailor approaches to specific cases and courts.
Our deep understanding of Collin County’s juvenile court system comes from years of local practice and relationships with judges, prosecutors, and probation officers, allowing us to tailor approaches to specific cases and courts.
We maintain a compassionate, rehabilitation-focused approach reflecting our belief that young people deserve second chances and prioritizing treatment over punishment. Attorney Wilson’s volunteer work as presiding judge for Wylie Teen Court Program demonstrates our juvenile justice commitment and understanding of effective interventions for young people facing legal challenges.
Our 5.0 Google rating with over 42 reviews reflects client satisfaction with our representation and outcomes, while 24/7 availability ensures urgent juvenile matters receive immediate attention. Don’t let juvenile charges derail your child’s future – call 214-949-4117 now for a free consultation with a skilled Frisco juvenile crime lawyer protecting your family and fighting for your child’s future.
Convenient Frisco Office Location
Our Frisco office at 5 Cowboys Way STE 300, Frisco, TX 75034, provides easy access for residents throughout Collin County. We also maintain our Dallas headquarters, giving us the resources and reach to handle complex cases while remaining accessible to our Frisco clients.
We offer 24/7 availability for urgent matters, understanding that DWI arrests often occur outside normal business hours. When you need immediate assistance, we are here to help.
Protecting Your Child's Future in Frisco's Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile charges carry consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can affect your child’s ability to get into college, obtain scholarships, secure employment, join the military, or pursue professional licenses. Unlike adult criminal records, juvenile records are automatically sealed at age 19 for qualifying cases. However, certain conditions must be met for this automatic sealing to occur.
The juvenile justice system moves quickly, and critical decisions happen within days of an arrest. Police officers, probation officers, and prosecutors begin building their case immediately. Therefore, you need a skilled Frisco juvenile defense attorney working for your family from the moment charges are filed.
Our approach focuses on protecting your child’s future opportunities while addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to their current situation. We work closely with families to develop defense strategies that emphasize rehabilitation over punishment. As a result, we often achieve reduced charges, dismissed cases, or alternative programs that keep convictions off your child’s permanent record.
Understanding Texas Juvenile Law in Collin County
In Texas, juvenile courts have jurisdiction over delinquent conduct by a child – someone who was at least 10 but not yet 17 at the time of the act – meaning behavior that would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult.
Juvenile courts also handle certain non-criminal status offenses (CINS), may retain jurisdiction after the youth turns 17 for acts committed earlier, and some cases can be transferred to adult court. The Texas Family Code Chapter 51 governs juvenile proceedings, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment. However, the reality is that juvenile convictions still carry serious consequences that can follow your child into adulthood.
Collin County’s juvenile court system operates differently from adult criminal court. Cases are heard by juvenile court judges who have training in adolescent development and family dynamics. Additionally, the Collin County Juvenile Probation Department plays a significant role in investigating cases, making recommendations to the court, and supervising minors placed on probation.
Unlike adult court, juvenile proceedings are generally confidential, and records are not automatically public. However, certain serious offenses can result in public records. Furthermore, some juvenile convictions can be used to enhance penalties if your child faces charges as an adult later.
The key difference between juvenile and adult courts is the focus on rehabilitation. Juvenile courts have more flexibility in crafting sentences that address the root causes of delinquent behavior. These include counseling, education programs, and family therapy. Our Frisco juvenile crime lawyers work within this framework to advocate for solutions that help your child while protecting their future.
Common Juvenile Crimes We Defend in Frisco
Alcohol and Drug-Related Offenses
Alcohol and drug charges represent the most common juvenile offenses we handle in Frisco and throughout Collin County. These cases often arise from routine traffic stops, school searches, or party situations where multiple minors face charges simultaneously.
Minor in Possession (MIP) charges occur when anyone under 21 possesses, consumes, or purchases alcohol. In Texas, MIP is a Class C misdemeanor for first offenses, with fines up to $500. For first-time offenders, driver’s license suspensions and mandatory alcohol awareness classes are typically not required. However, repeat offenders face these additional penalties along with increased fines and potential license suspensions.
Underage DWI/DUI cases carry more serious consequences than simple MIP charges. Texas has a zero-tolerance policy for minors and alcohol, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in DWI charges. These cases often involve license suspensions of up to one year, substantial fines, and potential detention time.
Drug possession charges involving marijuana, prescription medications, or controlled substances can result in felony charges depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. Even small amounts of certain substances can trigger serious charges that affect college admissions and future employment opportunities.
Our defense strategies for alcohol and drug cases focus on challenging the legality of searches, questioning the reliability of field sobriety tests, and negotiating for first offender programs. These programs allow charges to be dismissed upon successful completion of probation requirements.
The Juvenile Court Process in Collin County
Understanding the juvenile court process helps families prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions about their child’s defense. The process typically begins with an arrest or citation, followed by several distinct phases that determine your child’s future.
Initial detention hearings occur within 48 hours of arrest if your child is held in juvenile detention. The court determines whether continued detention is necessary or if your child can be released to your custody pending further proceedings. Our attorneys work aggressively to secure your child’s release and avoid unnecessary time in detention facilities.
Adjudication proceedings function similarly to trials in adult court, where the state must prove your child committed the alleged offense. However, juvenile court operates under different rules of evidence and procedure. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present defenses that highlight your child’s character and potential for rehabilitation.
The disposition phase occurs after a finding of delinquent conduct and determines your child’s sentence. Juvenile courts have broad discretion in crafting dispositions, ranging from probation and community service to placement in residential facilities. We advocate for the least restrictive disposition that addresses your child’s needs while protecting their future opportunities.
Probation and rehabilitation programs often provide alternatives to detention that allow your child to remain at home while completing court-ordered requirements. Collin County offers various programs including counseling, drug treatment, community service, and educational interventions. These programs address the underlying causes of delinquent behavior.
Sealing juvenile records becomes possible in many cases after successful completion of probation or upon reaching adulthood. We help families understand their options for record sealing and guide them through the process to minimize the long-term impact of juvenile charges.
Potential Consequences of Juvenile Convictions
Juvenile convictions carry immediate and long-term consequences that affect every aspect of your child’s life. Understanding these potential outcomes helps families appreciate the importance of aggressive legal representation from the beginning of their case.
Detention in juvenile facilities removes your child from home and places them in a restrictive environment that can negatively impact their emotional and educational development. Even short periods of detention can traumatize young people and disrupt their relationships with family and friends.
Probation requirements typically include regular meetings with probation officers, compliance with curfews, school attendance requirements, and completion of community service hours. Violations of probation conditions can result in additional charges and more restrictive dispositions.
Community service obligations require your child to complete unpaid work for approved organizations. While community service can provide valuable learning opportunities, extensive requirements can interfere with school, work, and family responsibilities.
Loss of driving privileges affects your child’s ability to get to school, work, and participate in extracurricular activities. Driver’s license suspensions can last months or years, creating transportation challenges that impact the entire family.
Impact on school enrollment and activities can include suspension from sports teams, exclusion from school trips, and difficulty transferring to other schools. Some colleges and universities ask about juvenile convictions on admission applications, potentially affecting your child’s educational opportunities.
When Juveniles Can Be Tried as Adults
Texas law allows prosecutors to transfer certain juvenile cases to adult criminal court through a process called certification or waiver. Understanding when this can happen helps families recognize the seriousness of their situation and the importance of skilled legal representation.
Certification to adult court typically occurs in cases involving serious felonies such as aggravated assault, sexual assault, robbery, or drug trafficking. Prosecutors must file a motion requesting certification, and the juvenile court holds a hearing to determine whether the case should be transferred to adult court.
Age considerations play a crucial role in certification decisions. Children as young as 10 can be certified for capital felonies or murder, while 14-year-olds can be certified for first-degree felonies, and 15-year-olds can be certified for second-degree felonies. The closer your child is to age 17, the more likely prosecutors are to seek adult prosecution.
Long-term consequences of adult convictions include permanent criminal records, potential prison sentences, and lifelong collateral consequences affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing. Adult convictions cannot be sealed or expunged in most cases, making certification a critical issue in serious juvenile cases.
Our attorneys fight aggressively against certification motions, presenting evidence of your child’s amenability to treatment, their potential for rehabilitation, and the adequacy of juvenile court resources to address their needs. We work with witnesses, including psychologists and social workers, to demonstrate why your child’s case belongs in juvenile court.
Our Defense Strategies for Juvenile Cases
Effective juvenile defense requires a thorough approach that addresses both the legal and personal aspects of your child’s case. Our strategies focus on achieving the optimal outcome while protecting your child’s future opportunities and maintaining family relationships.
Challenging evidence and police procedures forms the foundation of many successful defenses. We scrutinize every aspect of your child’s case, from the initial stop or search to the collection and testing of evidence. Constitutional violations, improper police procedures, and unreliable evidence can result in dismissed charges or suppressed evidence that weakens the prosecution’s case.
Negotiating for reduced charges or dismissals often provides favorable outcomes for juvenile clients. Our former prosecutor background gives us insight into how the Collin County District Attorney’s office evaluates cases and what factors influence their charging decisions. We leverage this knowledge to negotiate favorable plea agreements that minimize the impact on your child’s future.
Advocating for rehabilitation over punishment aligns with the juvenile court’s stated goals while protecting your child’s interests. We work with families to identify appropriate treatment programs, counseling services, and educational interventions that address underlying issues while demonstrating your child’s commitment to positive change.
Working with families to address underlying issues recognizes that juvenile delinquency often stems from family, social, or psychological factors. We connect families with resources, including family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and educational support services that help prevent future legal problems while strengthening family relationships.
Our Frisco juvenile crime lawyers have defended hundreds of minors facing charges ranging from minor in possession to serious felonies. Furthermore, former prosecutor Justin Wilson leads our team and brings insider knowledge of how the Collin County District Attorney’s office approaches juvenile cases. This gives your family a strategic advantage during this critical time.
Call 214-949-4117 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to protect your child’s future.
Last Updated: September 17, 2025
Collin County
August 2025
Acquitted
Driving While Intoxicated Jury Trial
Collin County
August 2025
Dismissed
Second-Degree Felony Sexual Assault of a Child
Ellis County
August 2025
Dismissed
Assault Causes Bodily Injury to a Family Member
Collin County
August 2025
Felony Reduced
State Jail Felony DWI with Child Reduced to Misdemeanor
Denton County
July 2025
NO-BILL
3 Counts of Manslaughter & 3 Counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Dallas County
June 2025
Dismissed
Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon
Denton County
June 2025
Felony No-Billed & Motion to Revoke Withdrawn
State Jail Felony Injury to Elderly & Motion to Revoke Misdemeanor Probation
Dallas County
May 2025
Deferred Adjudication
Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities
What Our Clients Say
Joshua J.
Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to any one who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.
Yoker V.
I highly recommend Justin 100%, the total positive experience started the moment we first spoke. Justin is a complete and total professional and a highly skilled lawyer outside and especially inside the courtroom. My case had its challenges but Justin skillfully did his research and presented the court and jury a master class. At the end of trial the judge looked at prosecutor and said ” that’s how its done” YLV
Donna D.
Knowledgeable, patient, listened to what my situation needed. Impressed with my Attorney and his service.
Mukesh K.
I have absolutely no hesitation in declaring that Justin is one of the finest attorneys you will ever find to represent your case most effectively yet very ethically. He is extremely professional and very deliberate in his advice and charting the right course of action appropriate for the situation. I used him for a DUI case and cant stress enough how much trust he developed in me and got the best outcome possible for me by getting the case dismissed. Good luck to the reader. Go with Justin.
Haley W.
From my very first conversation with Justin Wilson at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, I knew this was the right law firm for me. Justin took the time to carefully go over every detail of my case and never made me feel rushed. Throughout the entire process, he and his team kept me updated so I was never left wondering what would happen next. They fought hard on my behalf and ultimately got my felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor. I always felt supported and well-prepared, as Justin walked me through exactly what to expect at every stage. I highly recommend My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to anyone in need of strong, reliable legal representation.
Katie B.
I would not trust anyone else with my legal needs. Justin and his team work with compassion, intelligence, grace, and diligence to seek the best resolution during hard times. They helped in changing my life.
Joy
Justin at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer fought hard for my daughter’s case. He truly listened, explained the process clearly, and showed incredible courtroom skills. Even when the prosecutor was being difficult, he never backed down and secured a successful outcome. Thank you, Justin!
Francisco Arvizu
Attorney Justin Wilson was very helpful and responsive. He reviewed the case thoroughly and responded quickly, providing clear guidance. I truly appreciated his professionalism and support. Highly recommend!
Andres Moreles
It is with immense pleasure that I offer my strongest recommendation for Justin and his team. Their contribution to my situation was nothing short of transformative. Instead of simply meeting expectations, they significantly exceeded them, leaving a lasting positive impact on my life.
Basel Shaded
Justin was super professional and a very clear communicator through my whole process. Pricing is amazing. He got the job done extremely quickly and efficiently. I highly encourage anyone to hire Justin for all your criminal defense needs.