Take Charge Of Your Life

When a juvenile is accused of a crime, the process is very different from that of an adult accused of a crime. A juvenile crime is usually called an act of “delinquency” and requires court intervention to correct the delinquency. These courts are known as juvenile courts and they have their own special rules and procedures.

If a child is arrested:

If a child is arrested and taken into custody, he/she will be taken to the police station and booked. The child may then be released into the custody of a parent or guardian. If the crime is more serious, the child may be held in jail until arraigned (until the juvenile pleads).

What to do if your child has been arrested:

• Find out why your child was arrested and what needs to happen in order for your child to be released;

• Make sure your child understands that he/she has certain Constitutional Rights, 
• • the right to remain silent,
  • the right to a lawyer, etc.;

• Ask that a lawyer from our firm be present when your child is questioned. Tell the police that your child no longer wishes to speak to them without an attorney present; and

Call us immediately;
we can be reached 24/7 for an emergency.

You need an experienced juvenile defense attorney:

Your child’s future depends on how these charges are handled. You need an experienced juvenile defense lawyer from the moment you become aware that your child might be suspected of a criminal charge. (See our Criminal Law Overview)

If your child is found guilty in the juvenile courts,

In some cases, the court could decide to try your child as an adult. If your child is tried in juvenile court, the case generally remains sealed and confidential. If your child is tried as an adult, jail is the more likely punishment and the case can be made public, becoming a part of your child’s permanent record.

Contact Us as soon as your child is charged or you believe your child might be charged.

See FAQs for more information.

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