One of the most important cases I deal with is juvenile crimes. When children are arrested for committing offenses, their futures are at stake. Parents often think about the potential consequences: will the child have a permanent criminal record? What happens with scholarships and school applications?
I believe that during this difficult time, parents should arm themselves with an important weapon: knowledge of the laws surrounding juvenile delinquency.
Understanding Juvenile Delinquency
Any child under the age of 16 is considered a juvenile.
Police offers have varied methods in dealing with young delinquents — they may choose to detain, warn, and release the child, or they may hold the child until a parent or guardian comes to collect them. The police may also refer the minor to juvenile court.
The juvenile court follows a different procedure from what is used to deal with adult offenders. If a child is a delinquent, the court will issue an order to not only protect the community, but also still serve the best interests of the child.
The case, however, is still measured by the standard of Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.
Sentencing for Juvenile Delinquents
When imposing a sentence, the court considers the following factors:
- The crime committed
- The age of the child
- The criminal history of the child
The District Attorney may charge the juvenile as an adult in criminal court. This could happen if the offender committed assault, drug trafficking, murder, rape, and other violent crimes.
Olivier E. Roche, Esq. for Juvenile Defense
In my time as a criminal defense and family law attorney in New York, I have found that there are many complex aspects and subtle nuances to dealing with juvenile delinquency cases.
And when you need compassionate guidance and legal answers, I am here for you. I believe in the importance of helping young people get a second chance at life and to maintain a clean slate.
Let me help you preserve your child’s future. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.
