The arrest of a child or teenager below the age of 18 may cause a family much confusion and tension. After all, parents and guardians always want the best for their children—and so it can be difficult to deal with the realities brought about by a juvenile crime.
The criminal justice system generally does not treat children and teenagers the same way that it treats adults. The justice system for adults tends to lean towards punishment, while the juvenile justice system often encourages rehabilitation and treatment. However, serious consequences can still arise from juvenile offenses, and a juvenile may be tried as an adult.
If you or your child is being investigated or has been arrested for a juvenile offense, you should immediately seek help from an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the juvenile justice system, and who has also represented children in various types of criminal cases.
Examples of Juvenile Offenses
Some of the more common examples of juvenile offenses include:
- Vandalism
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Driving under the influence
- Theft
- Assault
- Trespassing
- Drug charges
- Property destruction
- Gun possession
- Sex crimes
Consequences of a Juvenile Offense
The juvenile offenses mentioned above carry their own set of consequences. In a DUI case, for instance, a juvenile may have his or her driver’s license suspended. For a sexual offense, on the other hand, a juvenile may be required to report as a sex offender and deal with more serious ramifications as it can affect both personal and professional opportunities. Other consequences for such offenses may include fines, time in either a juvenile detention center or jail, or strict probation.
Depending on the gravity of the case, a juvenile may be given a second chance at living without a criminal record by opting for more rehabilitative solutions such as enrollment in anger management classes or substance abuse counseling.
Contact Goldman Law, LLC Today
If you or someone you love has been charged with juvenile offenses, our Colorado criminal defense attorneys at Goldman Law, LLC are here to help you.
At Goldman Law, LLC, we will advocate aggressively for your rights, minimize damage as best as we can, and immediately begin crafting a plan to position your case for the best resolution possible. We will do whatever we legally can to get your case dismissed and the charges against you dropped. If dismissal is not feasible, our legal team will strive to have the charges and sentences reduced.
Hiring a criminal defense attorney is the most important decision you can make for your criminal case. To learn more about your rights and to receive a professional case evaluation, contact Goldman Law, LLC at (303) 656-9529.
