In Pennsylvania, the criminal justice system treats people under the age of 18 differently. The state is focused on rehabilitation as opposed to punishment in most cases. That does not mean criminal charges are unserious, as minors can face incarceration in some situations. The support of a compassionate defense attorney is invaluable in these cases.
If a child in your life has been arrested, there is no time to delay. The sooner you speak with legal counsel, the more likely you will achieve a positive outcome. It is possible to move past this difficult situation and prepare your child for a future without a conviction hanging over their head. Let a Butler juvenile defense lawyer help you understand your options today.
The juvenile justice system is unique in its purpose. Instead of penalizing youthful offenders, judges are tasked with treatment, rehabilitation, and supervision in most cases. This system also provides additional protections that do not apply to adults, ensuring a more supportive environment for minors.
First and foremost, these proceedings do not occur in public. Juvenile court is held in private, and the records are generally sealed. This is done to rehabilitate a child and prepare them for success in adulthood.
Juvenile court is still a serious matter, however. Even when a child does not face the adult system, there is the potential to be held in custody at a juvenile detention center. They could be adjudicated delinquent for more serious offenses and must remain there until their 18th birthday.
Facing the juvenile justice system can be stressful for any family, especially those who are not familiar with the court process. However, the good news is that no one has to face these challenges alone. Juveniles—just like adults—are entitled to a vigorous defense. A Butler juvenile defense attorney could fight for the best possible outcome.
For the most part, juveniles aged 15 and above avoid the adult justice system. This means they are less likely to face any form of incarceration and will instead focus on rehabilitation.
However, certain criminal charges must be filed in adult court regardless of the accused’s age. These are known as adult-file offenses. In general, this is reserved for the most serious criminal charges, such as:
The procedure by which a juvenile who has been charged as an adult can see his or her case back in the juvenile justice system is referred to as a decertification hearing. This is perhaps the most critical stage in this type of case, and, if successful will go a long way in mitigating the prospective damage caused stemming from the charges facing your child.
When your child has been arrested and is facing the justice system, they deserve legal counsel that will have their back every step of the way. The support of a Butler juvenile defense lawyer could make a difference in the case outcome.
Our lawyers are former prosecutors who actually prosecuted juvenile crime, and are therefore, uniquely positioned to defend juvenile criminal cases. Call immediately for a private legal consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys at Benjamin Levine Law.