It is important to work with a trusted defense attorney who has knowledge and experience with juvenile law if your child or teenager has been charged with a juvenile offense. Do not allow your child to answer any questions or be interviewed by police or investigators until a Piscataway juvenile defense lawyer is present. Our office offers consultations for juvenile matters and we are here to protect your child.
We represent juveniles accused of all types of crimes, including but not limited to:
• Shoplifting, auto theft, robbery, burglary, vandalism
• Underage drinking and DUI
• Traffic Offenses
• Drug Offenses
• Assault
• Sex Crimes such as rape, sexual assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Truancy
It is always good to remember that youthful indiscretion does not have to ruin a child’s life. Call today to ensure you have an experienced and knowledgeable Piscataway juvenile defense attorney protecting your child.
The courts treat juveniles very differently than adults in criminal cases. This includes not only the consequences of a conviction but also the process these cases follow. These proceedings are not held publicly, allowing for privacy even in serious cases. When these cases go to trial, they are always heard by a judge instead of a jury. The term “conviction” is also not used in these circumstances. Instead, the court uses the term “adjudication of delinquency” when the judge determines there is enough evidence of guilt.
The penalties handed down to juveniles are referred to as a disposition instead of a sentence. Most of the time, these dispositions do not result in any form of incarceration. When they do, it occurs in a detention center as opposed to a prison. A Piscataway attorney could advise how best to approach a defense in a juvenile criminal case.
While it is true that juveniles are typically treated differently by the legal system, it is important to understand that this is not always the case. There are circumstances where someone under the age of 18 could face the adult justice system.
This outcome is uncommon, and it is generally limited to serious offenses by a person close to the age of 18. In fact, age is one of the most important factors when determining if adult charges are appropriate. Any child age 14 or younger will always face juvenile justice regardless of the offense they are accused of committing.
That is not the case for anyone between the ages of 15 and 17. A prosecutor can seek a waiver from the court to try an individual within this age range as an adult if they are accused of serious offenses. A Piscataway attorney could fight these charges and work to have them kept in juvenile court.
When a juvenile is found to be delinquent, there are a number of penalties they could face. Confinement in a detention center is the most serious repercussion, but also one that judges attempt to avoid when possible.
Other punishments include things like paying fines or restitution. Many judges mandate substantial amounts of community service. There are also penalties that are specific to types of offenses. For example, someone found to have possessed a controlled substance could be ordered into drug treatment, or a case involving reckless driving could result in the suspension of driving privileges.
If a child in your life is facing criminal jeopardy, now is the time to seek out legal counsel you can trust. The right attorney could work to resolve these cases favorably and put them on a path to success.
Contact a Piscataway juvenile defense lawyer today.