The juvenile justice system in Texas operates under a “rehabilitative” mandate, distinct from the punitive nature of the adult system. However, for serious offenses, the state can seek to “certify” a minor to stand trial as an adult. In 2026, the landscape has evolved with new legislative investments in the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and stricter scrutiny on school-related offenses. Protecting a child’s future requires a lawyer who understands child development, school district disciplinary hearings, and the specific procedures of the Texas Family Code.
1. Varghese Summersett
Juvenile Lead: Lisa Herrick (Board Certified Partner)
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX
Phone: 817-203-2220
Website: https://versustexas.com/juvenile-lawyer/
Office Locations:
- Fort Worth: One City Place Building, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817-203-2220
- Houston: 2925 Briarpark Drive, Suite 850, Houston, TX 77042 | 281-805-2220
- Dallas: 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 950, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-903-4000
Practice Areas: Juvenile Defense, Certification as Adult, Determinative Sentencing, School Crimes, Deferred Prosecution, Record Sealing
Firm Size: 25+ attorneys (Includes two Board Certified Juvenile Specialists)
Fee Structure: Hourly / Flat Fee options
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Varghese Summersett features one of the most elite juvenile defense teams in the state, led by partner Lisa Herrick, who is Board Certified in Juvenile Law—a credential held by less than 100 attorneys in Texas. The firm treats juvenile matters with the highest level of urgency, recognizing that a child’s record can affect college admissions, military service, and employment for decades. In 2026, they were recognized as a Tier 1 practice for their success in keeping minors out of detention and securing placements in diversion programs. They are particularly expert in “certification” hearings, where they fight to keep serious cases in juvenile court rather than allowing them to be transferred to the adult system.
2. Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C.
Founder: Nicole DeBorde Hochglaube
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 832-720-7255
Website: https://www.hdfirm.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77046 | 832-720-7255
Practice Areas: Juvenile Crimes, Drug Offenses, Theft, Underage Drinking, Violent Crimes, Records Sealing
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Nicole DeBorde is a former prosecutor who served in the Harris County Juvenile Division, giving her a unique “behind-the-scenes” perspective on how the state builds cases against minors. For over 20 years, she has been a vocal advocate for giving juveniles a “second chance,” arguing that a mistake made in youth should not scar a person for life. The firm is highly active in the Houston area, representing students in cases involving school-ground fights, vandalism, and digital technology crimes. Nicole DeBorde is a frequent lecturer on criminal law and has been recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” every year since 2010.
3. Cofer & Connelly, PLLC
Managing Partner: Rick Cofer
Founded: 2018 (Founders have 60+ years combined experience)
Headquarters: Austin, TX
Phone: 512-991-0576
Website: https://www.coferconnelly.com
Office Locations:
- Austin: 602 W 11th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 512-991-0576
- San Marcos: 136 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666 | 512-991-0576
Practice Areas: Juvenile Defense, Drug Possession, Sexual Assault, Murder/Robbery Defense, Record Sealing
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Fixed Fee options
Languages: English
About the Firm: Cofer & Connelly is an award-winning firm in Central Texas known for its massive collective experience—over 200 combined years across its staff. Partner Rick Cofer is a former prosecutor who has handled hundreds of juvenile cases, ranging from minor shoplifting to serious felonies like robbery and murder. The firm has a reported 95% rate of cases being dismissed, acquitted, or reduced. In 2026, they continue to be a top choice for families in Austin and San Marcos, providing comprehensive guidance through the complex adjudication and disposition phases of the juvenile system. They are widely praised for their compassionate approach to the families of accused minors.
4. James Sullivan and Associates
Founder: James Gary Sullivan
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Houston, TX
Phone: 281-546-6428
Website: https://www.attyjon.com
Office Locations:
- Houston: 1111 N Loop W #1115, Houston, TX 77008 | 281-546-6428
Practice Areas: Juvenile Defense, Board Certified Specialization, Criminal Defense, Records Sealing
Firm Size: Boutique specialized team
Fee Structure: Flat Fee / Hourly
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: James Gary Sullivan is one of the relatively few attorneys in Houston who is Board Certified in Juvenile Law. Since 1994, he has dedicated his practice to representing young people in Harris and surrounding counties. He is known for his calm, scholarly approach to the law and his deep familiarity with the local juvenile judges and probation officers. Sullivan emphasizes a holistic defense, often working with counselors and educational specialists to present a rehabilitation plan that satisfies the court. His firm is highly sought after for record sealing (expunctions), ensuring that a juvenile mistake is permanently removed from a client’s public history.
5. Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda, PLLC
Managing Partner: Joseph Hoelscher
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: San Antonio, TX
Phone: 210-222-9132
Website: https://www.hgclaw.com
Office Locations:
- San Antonio: 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 500, San Antonio, TX 78209 | 210-222-9132
Practice Areas: Juvenile Defense, Child Protective Services (CPS) Law, Criminal Defense, Family Law
Firm Size: 10+ attorneys
Fee Structure: Hourly / Retainer
Languages: English, Spanish
About the Firm: Joseph Hoelscher is a highly respected San Antonio litigator who specializes in cases where the criminal and family law systems intersect. His firm is a leader in Bexar County for juvenile defense, particularly in high-conflict cases involving the foster care system or CPS. Hoelscher is the author of several legal treatises on Texas trial practice and is known for his aggressive, data-driven approach in the courtroom. The firm is unique for its “comprehensive family representation,” helping parents and children navigate both the legal charges and the underlying family dynamics that often trigger juvenile behavior issues.
Juvenile proceedings in Texas are primarily governed by Title 3 of the Texas Family Code (the Juvenile Justice Code). Unlike adult court, where the focus is on guilt or innocence, juvenile court focuses on “adjudication” (determining if a minor engaged in delinquent conduct) and “disposition” (determining the appropriate rehabilitation). As of 2026, the Texas Legislature has funded two new facilities (in Ellis and Brazoria counties) to modernize care for violent offenders and those with severe mental health needs. Under Section 54.02, a child as young as 14 or 15 can be certified to stand trial as an adult for capital felonies and other serious crimes. Parents should be aware that under Section 58.256, most juvenile records can eventually be sealed, but this is not automatic and usually requires a formal application to the court once the child turns 18 or meets specific criteria.
The firms listed on this page represent a selection of juvenile law practices operating across Texas. Each firm’s details, including office locations, phone numbers, practice areas, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute endorsement. Individuals should conduct their own research and verify current attorney licensing through the State Bar of Texas.
go