New Jersey Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys
New Jersey Juvenile Crime FAQ
Why do I need a juvenile crimes lawyer?
The entire process of New Jersey juvenile crimes is complicated and complex but can be easily navigated by an experienced and aggressive New Jersey juvenile criminal defense attorney willing to work hard for their client. In many juvenile crimes cases that we've seen the suspect is even sent home after being briefly detained and had their case thrown out of court. While every case is different and some take much longer to investigate and represent we believe that having effective legal assistance can mean the difference between having the charges dropped or having a lifetime of legal problems.
What are some of the problems that someone faces for being convicted?
A juvenile faces a lifetime of problems if they are convicted of a criminal offense. Their criminal record may be tainted for life, they may face jail time or detention facility time for life, they may face being tried as an adult, they can face thousands of dollars in fines and court fees, be made to attend courses, be on probation for years, have to be drug tested for years and do public service. In addition, the stigma of being convicted of a crime when a person is a juvenile is such that many face an uphill battle for the rest of their lives simply going to school, getting a job, applying for a loan or other commonly performed activities.
In addition, the family or guardians of the juvenile in question face their own problems including having to pay fines and undergo probation hearings and meetings and more. The family may also face civil charges from their victims seeking monetary damages that may include things like pain and suffering, loss of work and more.
What are some common juvenile crimes charges in New Jersey?
Juveniles are often charged with truancy (not attending school when they are supposed to), curfew violations or running away. In New Jersey juvenile criminal charges are on the rise, resulting in arrests for trespassing, burglary, drug related charges, underage drinking, shoplifting, DUI, gang affiliations and more.
The most serious juvenile charges involve murder, rape, kidnapping and drug sales.
If my child is arrested in New Jersey do they go to jail?
No. The police either ticket them on the spot and send them away (after calling the parents) or they bring the child to a detention center that specifically caters to juveniles. The child is then given up to 48 hours, not including holidays and weekends, before having their first hearing.
The process moves forward from there but can be effectively stopped with the correct legal assistance. If the case goes to a trial the child does not have the right to a jury trial but must face a single judge on their own instead. The judge can be changed, however, and there are several other ways to effectively represent a juvenile in New Jersey court.
What can your law firm do for me?
When dealing with a juvenile crime you need to have the most effective legal help that you can find. Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience dealing with New Jersey juvenile crimes cases. Our New Jersey juvenile offense lawyers can begin working for you as soon as you contact us at our office in Princeton.
We will first assess the case by seeing how far along it is. If your child has recently been arrested there is a chance of their early release by not having charges levied against them at all. Please contact us for further information and a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more.
If you or a loved one has been accused of juvenile crimes in New Jersey, contact Lependorf & Silverstein today for a free consultation.