The Importance Of Hiring A Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer

When arrested and charged with a crime such as a misdemeanor or felony, minors are entitled to many of the same rights as adults, which include the right to remain silent and to be represented by a criminal defense lawyer. As a parent, it may be difficult to accept that your child is facing serious charges. It is important, however, that you refrain from judgment and assist with providing legal representation. Consequences of a misdemeanor or felony charge, especially if tried as an adult, can have devastating, lifelong penalties including inability to obtain government aid such as student loans, rejection from holding certain professional licenses, and further difficulties obtaining employment, home or apartment rentals, or anything else that requires a background check. 

Adolescents can be tried as adults depending on the state laws. In many states, felonies that fall under certain categories including murder and rape will be considered adult cases regardless of the age of the individual. It is vital that adolescents facing such charges are represented by a criminal defense lawyer with experience in similar youth crimes and cases. Although tried as an adult, the age, background, and personal history of the defendant will all play a role in how the attorney handles the case and how the jurors perceive the situation and their subsequent verdict. 

One of the most important tasks of a criminal defense lawyer that represents adolescents is plea-bargaining. If your child has admitted guilt, or the evidence is stacked against them, with careful bargaining and a solid argument, a felony can be brought down to a misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor reduced to a lesser charge. Additionally, an attorney will fight the most severe sentencing such as the highest fines, longest probation periods, or excessive community service hours. Juveniles with several offenses or a disciplinary history will face the harshest sentencing. 

A criminal defense lawyer can also help an adult expunge a previous offense made as a juvenile. Each state has different waiting periods, but generally within a few years of the crime it can be removed from all records. While this will clear the background record, making it possible to easily secure employment, loans, and professional certificates, if any future crimes are committed, even as an adult, this record can be used to determine sentencing. Not all records will be granted expungement, and it is dependent on the overall crime history of the individual. 

As a parent, you may be liable for some of the damages caused by your child. Many states have enacted parental liability, which means your child won't be the only one on trial for their crimes. Your criminal defense lawyer can also advise you how to proceed if charges are later brought against you. Additionally, if your child is convicted, the court may also need to review the current custody situation and make changes. If you have joint or shared custody, the judge may change the terms of the current arrangement in light of what might be considered poor parenting skills.