Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

My 17 year old son broke into a salvage yard and broke out several windshields last week. He was caught and charged with a felony count of criminal mischief (>$1,500 but less than $20,000). He has a hearing on March 18th (just two weeks later). What is this initial hearing about? Is he already going to trial for his crime or is this some sort of pre-trial hearing? Is it impossible that he would qualify for a public attorney or would my income prevent that?


Asked on 3/10/10, 10:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Tuthill Law Office of Robert H. Tuthill

He is not going to trial March 18th. This is his first appearance in court. You can expect several court appearances. It is a pre-trial setting where he may get a lawyer appointed to represent him. The court may tell you to hire a lawyer and reset the case to give you a chance to do so. They may explain the charges to him and make sure he understands his rights. He will not, however, be forced to trial on the 18th, so you do not have to worry about that.

It is very possible he could qualify for a court appointed lawyer. At 17, he is considered an adult for criminal law purposes in Texas.

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Answered on 3/15/10, 11:16 am


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