Facing criminal or quasi-criminal accusations in a trial setting is an intimidating prospect for anyone, but particularly for a child who may not have a fully formed sense of what it means to be responsible for one’s actions and accountable to the legal system.


At Connolly & Shireman in Houston, our attorneys provide juveniles with skilled, attentive representation. Juvenile law is one of our major practice areas, and attorney William B. Connolly is Board Certified in Juvenile Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

If your child is facing a trial in juvenile court or you would like to appeal a juvenile court decision, don’t hesitate to contact us.


Experienced With Unique Juvenile Proceedings

A juvenile trial (also known as an adjudication) takes place under a hybrid procedure combining some elements of civil and criminal procedure. This is a unique area of Texas legal practice.


At Connolly & Shireman we are highly familiar with the juvenile law and juvenile court procedures and we are experienced at working within these procedures to pursue the best possible results for the minors we represent.

During a juvenile court trial, the child’s lawyer needs to be prepared with accurate information to present to the court. We identify the core issues of the child’s case, thoroughly research the available alternatives to address these issues, and then advocate for the best placement and outcome for the child.


We carefully research and prepare every juvenile case we take to trial and we also are regularly requested to represent juvenile clients on appeal. Our appellate experience keeps us attuned to preserving a record for proper review by an appellate court.


Keeping an Eye on Long-Term Consequences

Many parents whose children have been arrested believe it is important for them to go through the juvenile justice system in order to learn lessons about responsibility, and we respect that desire.


However, it is also important to remember that under Texas juvenile law, the sentences minors receive in juvenile cases can have long-term ramifications well into adulthood.


Children need to have someone there as an advocate to explore alternatives to a situation where the client will suffer negative lifetime consequences of having made bad decisions during childhood. At Connolly & Shireman we are highly experienced at guiding minors and their parents through juvenile trials and appeals. Contact us to discuss your options.