As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our children, including doing so after they make mistakes. When it comes to your child facing criminal charges, you want to ensure that they stay within the juvenile court system. As a juvenile, potentially being tried as an adult, could result in consequences that negatively impact their future.
If your child has been accused of a crime, ensure that they have an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney to help guide your family through the next steps in their case. Hiring a criminal defense attorney will ensure that you understand your child's rights and protections in the juvenile justice system.
A strong criminal defense attorney will ensure that your child receives fair treatment and compassionate legal representation that will put their rights first. At JP Law, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of juveniles in the criminal justice system. Contact us today to discuss your child’s situation to secure the best possible outcome for their future.
The Juvenile Justice Process
The juvenile justice system is designed to prioritize rehabilitation and programs as an alternative to detention or more severe punishments.
The juvenile justice system has some significant distinctions compared to the adult criminal justice system, such as:
- Focus and goals
- Confidentiality
- Informality
- Parental involvement
The goal of juvenile court is to address the delinquent behavior by utilizing probation, counseling, community service, and diversion programs instead of sentencing harsh punishments. It is in the juvenile offender's best interest to keep their case confidential, involve their parents or guardians, and attend informal juvenile court hearings that aim to set the child up on a path of rehabilitation that will not affect their future. By hiring an experienced juvenile rights attorney, you can prioritize their future by ensuring their court process is fair and just.
Arrests and Delinquency Petitions
When your child is arrested on charges, you must act quickly to ensure they have representation as soon as possible. Immediately after their arrest, a probation officer will review the case and decide whether to let it go, place them under informal supervision, or petition the courts for a formal hearing. At that formal hearing, the court will be presented with a delinquency petition that asks the court to assume jurisdiction over the case. The judge will review the evidence and determine whether to admit or deny the delinquency petition.
The detention hearing will be within 24 hours of being booked, so it is vital to have an attorney present at the hearing as soon as possible for representation.
Pre-Trial Adjudication Hearings
These hearings are called adjudicatory hearings, where the judge conducts them without a jury, and the state has to prove the allegations in the petition beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney can represent your child in these hearings. If the judge finds insufficient evidence or the defense has a strong enough case, then the case can be dismissed. A disposition hearing will be scheduled if the judge decides there is enough evidence that a delinquent act was committed.
Sentencing in Juvenile Court
If there is a disposition hearing, the attorney will work in the juvenile offender's best interest to advocate for the best possible outcome regarding their disposition or “punishment.” The juvenile justice system can be complex to navigate and ensure that the child’s privacy as a minor is respected. When it comes to a disposition hearing for a minor in the criminal justice system, an attorney will be able to help your family understand all the possibilities and the long-term ramifications that can come from the juvenile legal system. If your child is facing a disposition hearing, you need the assistance of an experienced juvenile lawyer to protect their rights and ensure that the result is just.
Typical Juvenile Crimes in Illinois
During a child’s rebellious years, most juveniles don’t commit anything more than petty crimes and juvenile acts. However, getting a call from the police saying that your child has been arrested can be scary.
Common petty crimes and juvenile acts are:
- Shoplifting or larceny
- Trespassing
- Vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
Gateway crimes such as these are what the juvenile justice system is for when addressing the underlying issue and ensuring that there isn’t a full criminal trial for teenagers making mistakes or taking something just a little too far.
What Parents Need to Know about Juvenile Defense
Juvenile criminal defense is all about preparing your child and ensuring that you have an open and honest conversation with them. If your child is ever in trouble with the law, there will be no time to speak with them and guide them before they are confronted. Having conversations with your child about this will ensure that your child is prepared for worst-case scenarios and will know to speak when you or a lawyer is present. As a parent, you should seek legal representation immediately and actively participate in the legal process to support your child through the case.
How a Juvenile Defense Attorney Can Help
At JP Law, our experienced criminal defense team will help your family explain the allegations and the repercussions of a delinquent conviction, advise you on the defense strategies and bargains, and ferociously negotiate for the most favorable outcome for your child. Your child’s defense rests in good hands with JP Law. Contact us today if your child is facing delinquent charges.
FAQs
What is the most common form of crime reported against a juvenile?
The most common charges that minors face are theft, vandalism, alcohol offenses, truancy, trespassing, and traffic violations.
Why is juvenile law different from others?
Juvenile law focuses on the child and ensuring that the behavior is addressed and that the child faces programs instead of a trial and jail.
What punishments could a juvenile face?
Juveniles who face admitted delinquent petitions can receive community service, probation, counseling, fines, and curfews. The best-case scenario is that the judge will dismiss the case and simply give the juvenile a verbal reprimand.
What is the minimum age for juvenile detention in Illinois?
The minimum age range for juveniles in Illinois is 10 years old.
Can a juvenile attorney help if my child is tried as an adult?
When it comes to a child being tried as an adult, a juvenile criminal defense attorney can still provide guidance and advocate for the child’s best interest. At JP Law, our legal team will be able to help guide your family through the legal complexities of your child’s case, whether it is in the juvenile criminal defense system or the adult system.
