Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Texas & Federal Law

Below you will find references to areas of the Texas Family Code and the Civil Practice and Remedies Code (CPRC) as well as federal laws that govern juveniles. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to view the “plain English” resources on this page or speak to an attorney.

Texas Law

Texas Family Code, Title 3
Chapters 51-61 of the Family Code, also called the "Juvenile Justice Code," outline the law and penalties for juveniles in Texas.
Texas Family Code, sec. 51.02(2)
This section contains a definition of "child" that applies in the Juvenile Justice Code. The definition excludes 17-year-olds "alleged or found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision as a result of acts committed before becoming 17 years of age."
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 129
This chapter of the CPRC sets out the "age of majority" in Texas for most situations. This is the age a person is considered an adult.

Federal Law

Chapter 403 in Title 18 of the U.S. Code
This chapter of the federal statutes addresses juvenile delinquency, and sets out standards for the treatment of juveniles in the federal criminal justice system.

Understanding the Law

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in "plain English."

Navigating the Juvenile Justice System : A Handbook for Juveniles and Their Families
This handbook answers common questions you may have when you or a loved one enters the juvenile justice system. This resource is provided by the Southwest Regional Juvenile Defender Center, Texas Appleseed, and the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.
Indigent Defense in the Texas Juvenile Justice System
Pages 6-9 of this report contain information for families and juveniles. The report answers common questions such as "Who has the right to an attorney?" and "How does a judge decide who cannot afford an attorney?" This report was written by the Task Force on Indigent Defense and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission.
Juvenile Probation - Process (El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department)
This webpage provides an easy-to-follow outline of what occurs when a minor is accused of breaking the law in Texas.
Juvenile Justice Handbook (Texas Attorney General)
This resource provides comprehensive basic information about the juvenile justice system in Texas. It explains relevant laws in an easy-to-understand way.
Sealing Juvenile Court Records in Texas
This booklet from the Texas Foster Youth Justice Program provides information and sample forms regarding the sealing of juvenile records.

Who can I contact?

These organizations may be able to provide assistance and information relating to juvenile justice.

Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) is the State Juvenile Corrections Agency.
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service
The State Bar of Texas's lawyer referral service can connect you with an attorney in your area. After a 30-minute telephone consultation ($20), the attorney can decide whether or not to take your case.
How do I get a free criminal defense lawyer? (TexasLawHelp.org)
This article describes how to request a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one and you have been accused of a crime. Note that the authors state: "Be aware that the exact procedures for requesting court-appointed lawyers vary from county to county."

Books & E-Books

These titles contain information on juvenile justice. The e-books can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library card with the State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.

Juvenile justice administration in a nutshell
This title provides an overview of criminal legal procedures when juveniles are involved. It contains information on juveniles and police, juveniles’ rights in the courtroom, and more.
Texas Juvenile Law: an analysis of juvenile statutory and case law for Texas juvenile justice officials through the 85th Texas Legislature, 2017
This publication from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department provides information about juvenile justice procedures including age limits, the court process, and the right to an attorney.