Experienced Georgetown Juvenile Defense Attorney
Last updated on August 25, 2026
No parent wants to see the day when their child is facing juvenile crime charges. Texas prosecutors do not take these matters lightly and will want to be sure that your child does not become a repeat offender. Instead of hoping that your child will get a slap on the wrist for being a minor, make sure you are pursuing an outcome that can protect their future.
When you need someone to stand by your child through their criminal defense case, attorney Douglas N. Ranney at Ranney Law is ready to advocate for them. With more than 15 years of experience representing clients throughout Georgetown and Williamson County in their criminal defense needs, Attorney Ranney knows what is at stake in these cases involving juveniles. We take juvenile defense just as seriously as adult criminal cases.
Defense of juveniles is different from adults – it is governed by an entirely separate body of Texas law. The Texas Family Code, Title 3, also known as the Juvenile Justice Code, establishes its own courts, procedures and standards. It is built on the principle that young people can be held accountable while still providing them paths toward rehabilitation. With over 15 years of navigating these cases, we focus on keeping juveniles in Williamson County out of juvenile detention and jail or prison.
Fighting The Consequences Of Adjudication
When a minor commits a crime, the legal consequences are different than if they were an adult. Adult sentencing is often more punishment-oriented, and juvenile sentencing is more rehabilitation-minded. Regardless, an adjudication in juvenile criminal cases can have serious consequences down the road.
Attorney Ranney explores all possible options for resolving juvenile matters in a way that best reflects the needs of our clients. From negotiating for reduced charges and sentencing to fighting the case in court, he does everything he can to provide you with the representation you deserve.
Why Should Parents Get A Lawyer For Their Child Or Teen?
You may well consider letting your child face the consequences of their actions, hoping they will learn their lesson and move on from their mistakes. However, the consequences of adjudication can negatively affect their future. In addition, spending time in a juvenile detention center or in adult jail or prison can be traumatic and in some instances, may only make matters worse for your child. Think it over with your family and then speak with us; we offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Types Of Juvenile Crimes We Handle
Attorney Ranney can take on a variety of juvenile criminal cases. Common examples include:
- Drug offenses, such as marijuana possession
- Underage drinking or illegal possession of alcohol
- Impaired driving
- Trespassing and property crimes
- Shoplifting or theft
- Assault and aggravated assault
Our lawyer can handle felonies or misdemeanors, taking cases that are as common as DWI issues or as complex and potentially life-changing as first-degree murder. He can handle it all from start to finish.
Texas Juvenile Court Process
When a young person is detained, they will then be taken to a juvenile processing office. The authorities will notify a parent or guardian of what has happened and the reason for it. A detention hearing will then be set up within the next 48 hours. During this hearing, the court will determine if the person needs to be held in the facility or if they can be released to their parent.
Depending on the type of criminal allegations, next steps could include the use of a grand jury or a hearing where the juvenile offender will enter a plea. After the plea has been entered, further court dates can be set up, and the process of evidence gathering and discovery can begin. If the juvenile offender has to go through a trial, this will be used to determine their guilt or innocence. If they are convicted, they will be given their sentence at a subsequent sentencing hearing.
Common Mistakes Parents Make During The First 48 Hours
Before the detention hearing, it’s normal for parents to feel anxious and worried about what to do. However, it’s important to keep a level head and remember your child’s rights. It is crucial to avoid the following:
- Letting your child speak to law enforcement without an attorney: Any statement made during intake can be used against them. Invoke the right to remain silent immediately.
- Waiting to contact an attorney: The sooner you talk to an attorney, the more prepared your child’s defense will be when the detention hearing arrives.
- Assuming leniency because your child is a minor: Williamson County prosecutors treat juvenile offenses seriously. Consequences can include the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), probation or confinement.
- Talking to Georgetown Independent School District (ISD) officials before consulting an attorney: The district has independent disciplinary authority. Statements made to campus administrators can surface in the legal case.
Having attorney Ranney involved before the detention hearing gives your family more options at every stage that follows, including the possibility of expunging the record. His track record reflects what that preparation has made possible for individuals and families in Williamson County.
Answers To Common Juvenile Defense Questions In Williamson County
The juvenile justice process moves quickly, and most parents have never navigated it before. Below, we address the ones we often receive from our clients.
How does Williamson County Juvenile Services evaluate my child after an arrest?
After an arrest, a probation officer at the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center will conduct an intake evaluation. The officer will review your child’s home environment, school status and behavioral history to determine whether to detain your child or release them to a parent or guardian. The court will also assess those findings during the detention hearing.
Attorney Ranney works with families to understand what that evaluation covers and how to present your child’s full context to the court before that hearing takes place. If your child’s case involves drug-related allegations, read more about how we approach those charges.
Can a juvenile adjudication under the Texas Family Code affect Georgetown ISD enrollment?
Yes. The Juvenile Justice Code is built around rehabilitation. This means that an adjudication is not a criminal conviction and does not carry the civil consequences that a conviction would. However, Georgetown ISD has its own independent disciplinary authority, which is focused on campus safety and conduct standards rather than rehabilitation.
That means your child can face school consequences regardless of how the juvenile court matter resolves. Those consequences may include:
- Placement in a DAEP
- Removal from extracurricular activities
- Expulsion
These school consequences can run at the same time as juvenile court proceedings. If your child is facing both, it is important to have an attorney involved early who can account for how each process may affect the other.
What should we expect during our free consultation with attorney Douglas N. Ranney regarding my child’s case?
Attorney Ranney will give you an honest assessment of where your child’s case stands. There is no sugarcoating and no vague reassurances. Before you come in, gather what you have available:
- Any paperwork from law enforcement or the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center
- Any documentation from Georgetown ISD or campus officials
- A timeline of events surrounding the arrest
- Your child’s school and disciplinary records
Every case turns on its own facts, and the consultation is where attorney Ranney will begin to understand yours. He will work with you to outline a clear path forward.
Why Choose Ranney Law For Juvenile Crime Defense
Attorney Ranney’s experience is one of the top reasons to choose him when you need a criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown. Having defended over 2,300 cases, he is known for crafting an aggressive, intelligent defense that puts our clients’ rights first. As an experienced and trial-tested attorney, you can count on him to give you guidance, which can be invaluable – especially if this is your first time going through the criminal defense system. You need an attorney who puts your future and your rights first, and that’s exactly what you get when you call Ranney Law. Additionally, we offer free case evaluations.
Let Our Georgetown Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Fight For Your Child
If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, make sure you are acting today to protect their tomorrow. For a lawyer you can count on when you need legal guidance, call our Georgetown office at 512-982-1082 or email us here to schedule your free initial consultation with our attorney today.