South Jersey Juvenile Defense Attorneys
New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys/South Jersey Juvenile Criminal Lawyers
Even though you have your child’s best interests at heart does not mean that you can provide your child with the best protection when it comes to navigating the New Jersey justice system. If your child is under 18 years old and is accused of a crime, the matter will most likely be heard in the Family Court. However, if the crime involves a serious offense such as armed robbery, the prosecutor can seek to have the case moved to the Superior court, Criminal Division, where the outcome can be life altering and the penalties harsh. You and your child need a competent, compassionate New Jersey juvenile defense attorney by your side to guide you through the complexities of the juvenile court p
Juvenile Criminal Matters in New Jersey Family Court
When dealing with juvenile criminal matters, the Family Court focuses on a result that will rehabilitate the offender, and many times this can be achieved without incarceration. A juvenile found guilty may be required to pay fines, make restitution for damages he or she caused the victim, or perform community service in lieu of restitution. Other rehabilitative measures are also available under New Jersey laws regarding juvenile criminal matters.
Juvenile Criminal Matters in New Jersey Criminal Court
In the “adult” Criminal Court system of New Jersey, where your child would be treated as an adult in sentencing, a conviction may result in a term of imprisonment. While this may seem a reason to avoid criminal court at all costs, only a qualified juvenile crime attorney can explain to you and your child the advantages and disadvantages of the two alternatives. For instance, did you know that there is no option for a jury trial in juvenile cases resolved in family court? There may be times when a skilled New Jersey juvenile defense lawyer would advise a strategy of letting a Criminal Court jury see your child, hear your child’s side of the story, and reach a conclusion based on these human variables. It is the job of a knowledgeable, competent juvenile defense attorney to ascertain whether accepting or contesting a waiver to Criminal Court is in the best interests of your child.
The South Jersey juvenile defense lawyers at Legome & Associates are experienced criminal law attorneys who are well-versed in the complexities of the juvenile court system as played out in the New Jersey Family Courts, as well as the Criminal Courts. Our juvenile defense attorneys are prepared to review the specific facts of your child’s case and discuss your particular objectives in resolution of the matter. Only after careful consideration will we recommend acceptance of a plea bargain or proceeding to trial.
Typical Juvenile Crimes
At Legome & Associates, our New Jersey juvenile defense lawyers are experienced in representing children and teenagers accused of all types of crimes, including disorderly conduct, shoplifting, truancy, robbery, vandalism and traffic offenses. We are also prepared to defend your child for more serious offenses such as assault or threat crimes, DUI or driving while intoxicated, auto theft, underage drinking, drug possession or distribution, robbery or burglary. In addition, we are knowledgeable about and can defend against charges such as internet crime or sexual assault.
Escalation of Crimes & Expungment of Juvenile Crimes
Some crimes that a juvenile is more likely to commit can carry “escalated” consequences. For example, if your child hits a teacher or police officer, a simple assault charge instantly becomes aggravated assault. A guilty verdict for graffiti or possession of marijuana can mean the loss of a juvenile’s driver’s license.
If your child’s case does result in a finding of guilt, that conviction will not automatically disappear when your child turns 18 years of age. A motion to seal, or expunge, the record of your child’s juvenile arrest and conviction must be filed with the Court. The South Jersey juvenile defense lawyers of Legome & Associates can guide you every step of the way to ensure that a thoughtless, careless misstep has the smallest possible impact on your child’s future.
Call Our South Jersey Juvenile Defense Attorneys
If your minor child makes a mistake, take steps that will keep that mistake from ruining a young life. We can provide all the information necessary to choose the defense path that is in your child’s best interests. Call today at 856-528-3284 for a free telephone consultation with a New Jersey juvenile crime lawyer from the Haddonfield, New Jersey law firm of Legome & Associates. Whether your child is charged in Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Cape May County or Salem County in New Jersey, or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of our juvenile criminal defense lawyers is available to discuss your options to protect the future of your child.