Arrested as a young adult for the first time?
This is one of the most terrifying things to happen to a young person in their life. Making a mistake shouldn’t change the rest of your life. But here’s the thing…
Young adults encounter specific challenges within the legal system that most people don’t understand.
The criminal justice system handles cases involving younger offenders differently—but not always in the ways you think. During this time in your life, you’re now considered an adult in the eyes of the court, but you’re still very young and developing. This “gray area” of the law can often work both for you and against you.
The best part is…
With the right legal defense, you can minimize the long-term consequences.
Let’s cover…
- The harsh reality of young adult criminal charges
- The unique legal challenges facing young adults
- Important details on your defense options
- How to protect your future
- Moving forward after a criminal charge
The Harsh Reality of Young Adult Criminal Charges
Young adults are the age group that get arrested most often.
In fact, the statistics support this. Youth homicides almost doubled from 2018 to 2022, indicating how seriously the system is now dealing with such cases. This means prosecutors won’t be going easy on younger defendants like before.
Here’s where things get interesting…
If you’re between 18-25, you won’t have access to juvenile court. You will also be at a point in your life where a criminal record will have a far more significant impact on your life. College applications, career opportunities, professional licensures. Everything.
This is exactly why working with an experienced Texas criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in defending young adult cases matters so much. They excel at presenting your case to highlight your age and rehabilitation potential, giving you the strongest possible defense.
The right criminal attorney can make the difference between a permanent criminal conviction and an outcome that will keep your future safe.
The Unique Legal Challenges Facing Young Adults
Young adults get hit with a double-whammy when it comes to legal situations…
You’re legally considered an adult by the court but are still young and judged by the standards and behaviors of an adult that you haven’t fully developed yet. Your prefrontal cortex of the brain that is responsible for making decisions will not be fully mature until you are 25.
This creates a series of problems:
- Impulse decisions at 19 are not judged with the same understanding as someone who is 40
- First-time offenders can face the same or even higher penalties as someone who has committed the same offense before
- Juvenile rehabilitation programs are not accessible to adults charged with a crime
- Criminal records obtained during this time in your life follow you into your professional career as an adult
To make matters worse…
26% of referred youth ended up being detained, so roughly 1 in 4 young people is not released before their trial. This is time away from your educational or professional occupation which can only have a further impact.
In addition, many young adults also make mistakes during arrest that can seriously affect the outcome of their case. This can be anything from talking without your lawyer present, to consenting to a search, or even a simple misunderstanding of what their rights are.
The system expects you to know the law just as well as an attorney would. But for many young people, this is their first time interacting with law enforcement.
Understanding Your Defense Options
What most young adults don’t know is…
You have more options available than you may initially think. Criminal defense is not just about proving innocence. It’s about getting the best possible result in your case.
First Offender Programs
Many states have diversion programs that are available to first offenders. These programs allow for completion of community service, counseling, and/or educational opportunities instead of going through trial.
If you are successful with your completion of the program, your charges are dismissed with no conviction on your record.
No conviction on your record.
However, you need an attorney that is familiar with the ins and outs of this type of program. You will need them to fight to get you accepted. They are not guaranteed, and your prosecutor will need convincing.
Plea Bargaining Strategies
Sometimes, fighting the charges isn’t always the best move. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to negotiate for:
- Reduced charges from a felony to a misdemeanor
- Alternative sentencing options like probation instead of jail time
- Deferred adjudication to have the charges dropped after probation
- Eligibility for record sealing or expungement
The goal is not always not guilty. The goal is to minimize damage to your future.
Building Your Defense
Every young adult criminal case will need a strong defense strategy in place. A criminal defense attorney will:
- Challenge the evidence and witnesses used against you
- Identify and call out any constitutional violations committed during your arrest
- Present mitigating factors such as your age, background, and potential
- Negotiate with prosecutors from a position of strength
- Highlight your potential for rehabilitation over punishment
Young adults benefit from defenses that emphasize:
- The lack of a criminal record in your history
- Your age and brain development factors
- Your educational and career potential
- Your strong family and support system
- Your willingness to take responsibility for your actions
The key is to provide the court with every reason to give you a second chance. Judges and prosecutors value these factors more than most people realize.
Protecting Your Future
If you’re currently facing charges as a young adult…
Time is of the essence. The decisions that you make within the first 48 hours can make or break your entire case outcome.
Get Legal Representation Immediately
Don’t talk to the police without an attorney. Don’t try to “explain your side” or “clear things up.” Whatever you say can and will be used against you later in court.
Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in the defense of young adult cases. They know the stakes are higher and will do everything in their power to protect your future.
Educate Yourself on Long-Term Impact
A criminal conviction can and will impact more than you think. College admissions, financial aid, job applications and background checks, professional licensing, housing applications and rental agreements, military service, and more.
Even a misdemeanor offense will close doors in your life that you didn’t realize existed.
Document Everything
Keep track of everything. Everything.
This includes your arrest, booking, all court documents and communication, character references, employment or education verification, and anything and everything else that your attorney can use to build the most compelling case for leniency in your specific situation.
Moving Forward After Charges
Criminal charges do not have to mean the end of your life.
Countless young adults have been in this situation before and managed to turn their lives around in successful careers. The key is to take the situation seriously and make smart choices.
Your priorities moving forward are:
- Collaborating with your attorney on a defense strategy
- Staying out of trouble while your case is pending
- Continuing your school or work commitments
- Building a network of support
- Focusing on positive activities and making positive choices
Keep in mind that judges and prosecutors view young defendants differently than career criminals. They want to see remorse, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to making things right and turning your life around.
Give them that narrative.
Final Thoughts
Young adults deserve a second chance…
But you have to fight for it. The criminal justice system is not going to automatically go easy on you because you’re young. You need the help of an experienced legal team that understands the unique challenges that young defendants are up against.
The right defense attorney can help you to:
- Minimize or completely eliminate criminal charges against you
- Protect your educational and career opportunities
- Help you access diversion and rehabilitation programs
- Negotiate outcomes that do not completely destroy your future
Most importantly: Don’t wait. The sooner you get legal assistance, the more options you will have in your case. Criminal court moves quickly and the opportunity to influence your outcome disappears very fast.
One mistake at 19 should not define your life at 29.
