Juvenile court can be confusing, especially if your child is facing serious charges in court. Juvenile court is quite different from adult criminal court, and it's normal to have some questions. You may be confused about the charges your child is facing. Here's what you need to know about the juvenile crime system and your situation.
Who Is a Juvenile?
One of the first questions you might have about the process might involve who can go to juvenile court. Juvenile court typically accommodates those who are under the age of 18 when they are accused of committing a crime. Those over 18 may be tried as juveniles if they were minors at the time of the crime.
What Should You Expect After a Child Is Arrested?
After a child is arrested, you may not know exactly what to expect. After all, each case is different. It is important that you speak with an attorney, as some states will try children as adults in certain circumstances. You need to be well aware of your child's case before you get to the courtroom.
What Is the Process Like?
The process of a juvenile facing criminal charges isn't dissimilar to the process of anybody else facing criminal charges. For example, the process will start with an arraignment and include a variety of hearings before going to trial (unless a plea is entered).
The minor will also experience sentencing and may be taken to a juvenile detention center, for example. The consequences for a guilty verdict may differ somewhat, as courts are often more lenient in juvenile cases.
What Factors Are Involved in Your Child's Case?
A variety of factors will be considered in your child's case. For example, the judge will consider the severity of the crime and make a determination based on the child's age and any steps they have taken after the crime. For instance, they will see if your child has been implicated in other similar crimes.
Next, the judge will consider whether you seem able to manage and parent your child, preventing further instances of this problem in the future. Additionally, the courts will consider whether your minor has an attorney as well as the kinds of evidence available in your situation.
Juvenile Criminal Attorneys Can Help
A juvenile criminal lawyer helps you figure out what you need to do next. Your attorney helps you navigate the juvenile criminal justice system, as things can become more confusing when your child is dealing with a variety of charges.
When you are accused of a crime, have to write an important contract, or have a question about a child custody agreement, who do you call? Your lawyer, of course. But how do you know which lawyer is best equipped to represent you? What services might your attorney offer that you are not aware of? Start reading the articles on this website, and you will find the answer to these and other burning questions about general attorneys and their work.
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