Juvenile Division - Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office

Protecting Youth, Promoting Accountability, and Preserving Community Safety

The Juvenile Division of the Smith County Criminal District Attorney's Office is responsible for reviewing and prosecuting criminal cases involving children between the ages of 10 and 16. These cases include all felony offenses - including the most serious, such as Capital Murder - as well as Class A and B misdemeanors. Our team also handles status offenses such as truancy and runaway, which are unique to juvenile law.

The Juvenile prosecutor in our office works closely with the Smith County Juvenile Court, the Juvenile Probation Department, and a range of public and private services providers. Our goal is threefold: to ensure public safety, to hold juveniles accountable for their actions, and to promote the active involvement and responsibility of both the child and their parents or guardians in the rehabilitation process. 

Texas law requires juvenile prosecutors to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment whenever possible. Our approach is to redirect young offenders toward positive futures by placing them in programs and services tailored to their specific needs. These interventions are designed not only to prevent future criminal behavior but also to help each child grow into a productive and law-abiding citizen.

Available programs and services include:

• In-home interventions:
  • Deferred prosecution agreements
  • Probation supervision
  • Job-readiness training
  • Parenting-skills classes
  • Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP)

• Out-of-home placements:
  • Therapeutic boys and girls ranches
  • Substance abuse treatment centers
  • Mental health facilities

For the small number of juvenile offenders who pose a significant risk to public safety and require the highest level of supervision, placement with Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) may be pursued under appropriate circumstances.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to the well-being of Smith County's youth and the safety of our entire community. The Juvenile Division works diligently to balance firm accountability with meaningful rehabilitation, helping ensure that our county remains a place where both justice and opportunity prevail. 

Contract Information:

Criminal District Attorney's Office Juvenile Services Division
Office: (903)533-2369
Fax: (903)535-0866