When Should Parents Contact a Juvenile Defense Attorney?

 Posted on July 14, 2015 in Juvenile Crimes

When your teen faces charges for illegal actions, a million thoughts can race through your mind. You may wonder how these charges could affect your child’s future, and you likely have questions about effective defense strategies.

Juvenile criminal charges can severely compromise a teen’s opportunities, which is why it is critical that parents consult a juvenile criminal attorney for advice. A lawyer can assess the case and attempt to devise a strong defense strategy that reduces penalties or potentially convinces the court to drop the charges.

According to the Connecticut Judicial Branch, anyone under the age of 18 who has broken a federal or state law will normally be tried for a delinquent act—not for a criminal offense. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are exceptions to this rule depending on the severity of the crime, especially in regard to major felonies.

The court's objective is not necessarily to punish the juvenile but rather to take a rehabilitative approach. As a result, teens may face sentences of community service, parole, and other programs as alternatives to jail time.

It is critical to understand that juvenile convictions can remain on a teen's record throughout his or her life. Although the court may not put a teen in prison, the consequences of juvenile charges can prevent a young person from finding employment or pursuing other opportunities. Depending on the crime, the defendant may lose other privileges, as well, such as the suspension of driving privileges for alcohol-related offenses.

If your teen is facing delinquency charges, it may be helpful to work with an experienced Stamford juvenile attorney. With more than 40 years of experience, the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner understands how to be successful in court. Mr. Weiner has handled juvenile cases involving sex offenses, bullying, and other legal matters. Call us today for a free consultation at 203-348-5846.