Juvenile Criminal Defense

When your child is arrested for a crime, it may be one of the most difficult times in your life. Along with all of the emotional challenges, you are probably worried about what to do next.

You will need an attorney who is not only experienced in juvenile legal issues, but who also has the compassion and understanding that you need during this stressful time.

Depending on the circumstances, a skilled defense lawyer will often be able to keep your teenager’s case in the juvenile court system instead of adult court.

Defending A Child Against Juvenile Charges

When children in Pennsylvania move through the criminal justice system, they face a different kind of experience than adults do. The courts that decide minors’ cases not only operate separately from other courts – they also have different goals.

A primary objective in an adult court is to punish people for breaking the law. In the juvenile court system, the goal is instead rehabilitation.

The reasoning is that a young person has many years ahead of them, and the Commonwealth wants them to become law-abiding, productive members of the community.

Your attorney needs to operate within this framework and help you and your child make decisions that will be in your best interest.

Too often, drugs or alcohol can play a role in the mistakes juveniles make that get them into trouble. If this is the case, your attorney may be able to assist in getting your child the help they need.

How A Lawyer Will Help

If your child is arrested, you need an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way, work hard to discredit any evidence – and work with you to determine the best course of action.

If a minor’s case is going to be tried in an adult court, whenever possible your attorney will try to have the case moved to a juvenile court.

Pennsylvania Minors Law

Laws for minors are described and defined in The Pennsylvania Code under Title 18, Chapter 63. Read the code here.