New Jersey Child Criminal Defense Attorneys
What Are Your Child's Rights?
If your child has been arrested or detained by the police in New Jersey they are still given several important rights. A juvenile in New Jersey has most of the same rights as an adult except for having to obey their parents, the law, and attend school. Because the incarceration process is much different than an adult, however, juveniles most often are not accorded the right to post bail. Instead they are passed to a probation officer who then takes the case from law enforcement. If your child has been arrested in New Jersey, protect their rights by contacting Lependorf & Silverstein immediately for a free consultation.
Your juvenile should be aware that they have the right to have an attorney present during any phase of questioning following their arrest. They should never speak with the police or anyone else about their case without legal representation. This is very important because the police often try to coerce a confession or admission of guilt early on. A juvenile in New Jersey also has the right to be read their Miranda rights if they are being arrested. If they are not being arrested they should be informed of why they are being detained and should ask for an attorney anyway.
If a juvenile is stopped by the police in New Jersey they have the right to know why they are being stopped. In addition they have the right to refuse a search of their person or vehicle unless they have been placed under arrest. While anyone stopped by the police should cooperate as much as they can you also always have the right to request a lawyer before you answer any questions or perform anything the police ask you to do. The suspect should never discuss their case without an attorney present or answer anything other than what their name, address and phone number are. Parents should always be informed of any detention or arrest by police.
Some serious crimes such as rape, murder and grand larceny may warrant having the juvenile tried as an adult. While these are typically rare the need for effective legal representation is even greater under these circumstances. In all other types of crimes the juvenile will be tried in a juvenile court before a single judge if the case leads to a trial. There are many steps in a New Jersey juvenile crimes case and a successful lawyer will be able to stop the case before it reaches trial.
Your child always has important rights that protect them in any legal situation. In order to ensure that your child is completely protected from a life filled with legal and social problems contact an experienced New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer at our firm for a free consultation. Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling criminal cases involving juveniles and can help you as soon as you call us.
Our New Jersey juvenile crimes attorneys are here to protect your child from a lifetime of legal problems. Call or contact us for a free case evaluation today.
If you or a loved one has been accused of juvenile crimes in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.