Princeton Juvenile Probation Attorneys
Juvenile Crimes and Probation
When authorities charge an adolescent with a juvenile crime in New Jersey, their hope is that the justice system will reform and rehabilitate these young offenders. This means that the focus is not on punishment. Rather, the intent is on figuring out the best way to allow the individual to remain an active member of society while discouraging future infractions. For many judges, the answer is probation.
Probation is essentially a kind of "middle ground" between complete freedom and a stay in a detention facility. The young person can typically remain in their own home, but must comply with various rules during the period of probation. A NJ juvenile offender may need to remain on probation until the age of 18 or for a specified period of time. Once the probationary period is up, the terms no longer apply and the individual regains all former rights.
Some common probation conditions for juveniles include the following:
- They cannot possess guns or other types of weapons.
- They must report to their probation officer at the intervals ordered by the court.
- They must remain in the state.
- They cannot leave home for more than 24 hours without first getting permission.
- They must provide truthful information to a probation officer.
- They and their parents must grant the probation officer access to the family home as needed.
- They must attend any court-ordered drug rehabilitation programs.
- They must submit to random drug testing at the probation officer's request.
- They must attend school or obtain employment (this is an acceptable alternative to school only if the offender is over the age of 16).
- They must comply with the curfews imposed by the New Jersey courts.
In New Jersey, a minor who breaks any of the above rules will likely face a violation of probation charge. This is something the juvenile should try to avoid at all costs. A judge may decide that a short or prolonged stay in a juvenile detention facility is a suitable punishment for refusing to comply with the terms of probation set forth by the courts.
If you reside in the New Jersey area and your minor child is currently facing charges, contact the law offices of Lependorf & Silverstein to speak with a Princeton juvenile crime defense attorney about your situation. If we take on your case, we will put forth our best efforts to ensure the judge does not transfer the case to adult criminal court. We will also fight for the most lenient punishment possible, which may mean reducing time spent in a juvenile detention facility, convincing the judge to put the juvenile on probation or even having a judge dismiss the charges. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.