Even if this is your first juvenile charge, you need to take it seriously.  The Law Office of John M. Walsh expertly defends young individuals charged in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Do not plead guilty to the charge, or accept any offer from the prosecutor, without first consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer. To learn more about challenging juvenile offenses, contact us for a free initial consultation.

 

Many youths who are arrested are charged with theft, simple assault, drug abuse, disorderly conduct, and curfew violations, while others are charged with more serious offenses. Juveniles can be charged with virtually every crime an adult can be charged with. In our system, however, juvenile crimes are treated differently from adult crimes, and the goal of the courts is to rehabilitate our youth rather than merely to punish them. At times, prosecutors want to treat juveniles as adults, multiplying the consequences for the person charged with a crime.

 

It is important to understand the nature of these crimes and why you need an attorney who will work to develop the best defense possible to these charges. Juvenile crimes may be relatively minor, such as possession of alcohol, disorderly conduct or shoplifting. Or, the crimes charged may be far more serious, including assault, theft, burglary, date rape, drug possession, rape and murder.

 

These crimes can have severe penalties, including fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension and a mark on the permanent record. As a result of these juvenile errors, young people’s lives can be changed, often permanently, especially if the prosecutor convinces the judge to treat the juvenile as an adult. Therefore, if you, a family member or a friend has been arrested or charged with a juvenile/youth crime, it is vitally important that an attorney represent the accused as early as possible.

 

Contact the Attorneys at Law Office of John M. Walsh to schedule a free initial consultation.