Twice named Child Advocate Attorney of the Year, Judith Van Hoof represents Texas juveniles in criminal matters and families in CPS court matters. Judy can also help juveniles facing criminal sentencing or parents charged with neglect or abuse by Child Protective Services (CPS) litigation. She is an experienced trial lawyer who can assist with a range of matters, from appeals to terminations of parental rights.
In criminal cases brought against a minor, our attorneys may be able to help you seek alternative sentencing, reduce the sentence, or dismiss a charge altogether.
If the case proceeds to trial, your child's criminal record may be sealed, if:
Your child is found not delinquent (not guilty)
If convicted of a misdemeanor offense, your child is automatically eligible for mandatory sealing when they meet the following conditions:
two years have elapsed since the date of discharge; and
your child has maintained a clean record since discharge from juvenile court.
If convicted of a felony offense, your child will need to request a hearing with a judge. Keep in mind that sealing the record is at the judge's discretion. Your child is eligible to request the sealing of a juvenile criminal record when:
your child has reached the age of 21; and
your child has maintained a clean record since discharge from juvenile court.
Juvenile Law
Let the Fort Worth juvenile law attorneys at the Bob Leonard Law Group, P.L.L.C. assist you with your juvenile matter.
"One important reason to seek counsel in juvenile matters is that juvenile criminal records can have an effect on your child's prospects for college or future employment. Juvenile law covers any child age 10 or over and under 17 who violates a penal law of this state that is punishable by imprisonment or confinement in jail. If found 'delinquent,' the court can either place a child on probation for any period of time up until the child's 18th birthday, or, if the charge warrants it, commit the child to the Texas Youth Commission where they could be held up to their 19th birthday."
— Judith Van Hoof, Attorney at Law.
We offer services related to representation for parents in child protective services cases, termination of parental rights, and DUI.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Court Matters
Speak with the experienced trial lawyers at the Bob Leonard Law Group, P.L.L.C. to learn more about your legal options when you are faced with a CPS court matter.
"Nothing is more important than protecting your children. When a complaint reaches Child Protective Services, you will have to defend yourself against allegations of abuse or neglect. It is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately for legal representation—even before speaking to Child Protective Services about your case. There is no right to remain silent in CPS litigation, and CPS is not obliged to warn you about your rights. You really need to have an experienced lawyer at your side to make sure that your rights are protected."
— Judith Van Hoof, Attorney at Law.
Our attorneys offer a range of legal services, from representation at adversarial hearings to filing appeals.
Termination of Parental Rights
For matters related to the termination of parental rights, turn to the attorneys at the Bob Leonard Law Group, P.L.L.C. to help you through these proceedings.
"It's really difficult to address the subject of terminating parental rights. Parents feel protective of their children, but the situation and circumstances can beg the question, 'Is this really in the best interest of the child?' As an attorney, I feel that it's important to sort through these tumultuous feelings and do what's right—and when that means that the termination is clearly unwarranted, then it's important to take action to stop it."
— Judith Van Hoof, Attorney at Law.
Whether the termination of parental rights is voluntary, involves abandonment, or requires court intervention, our attorneys can competently assist you with all aspects of this legal proceeding.
DUI
Consult the attorneys at the Bob Leonard Law Group, P.L.L.C. to assist your child with a driving under the influence offense.
"Underage drinking is a serious offense. The long-term effects of having a criminal record can even more seriously affect your child's future employment prospects. If this is a first offense, there is some hope that the courts will be lenient and allow the use of diversion programs or deferred adjudication. It is critical that all attorneys are made, if possible, to preserve the child's option to expunge the offense at a later date. Having an experienced attorney on your side can improve the chances that the courts will be amenable to reduced sentences and future expunction."
— Judith Van Hoof, Attorney at Law.
Our skilled Fort Worth juvenile lawyers can help you file for appeals, reduced sentences, and expunction.
