Any time a minor is charged with a crime, they will go through the juvenile defense process in Cranberry Township. This is very different from the justice system that adults face. While the consequences may not be as severe, being adjudicated delinquent can still impact your child’s future.
Regardless of the specific charge or the potential consequences, it is vital that your child has the support of strong legal counsel. Our team could work tirelessly to protect their rights and future. Reach out right away to discuss your options with our compassionate youth defense attorneys about the juvenile justice system.
The Cranberry Township juvenile defense process usually starts with an arrest. Often, this occurs when a law enforcement officer witnesses a crime. In other situations, an investigation might uncover the identity of a young person who allegedly committed an offense such as theft or vandalism.
Arrests are typically made by the police, who do not always know the age of the person they are dealing with. If the alleged offense occurred at school, a resource officer might detain the student.
Most of the time, arrested juveniles are released to their parents or guardians while their case proceeds through the judicial system. In some cases, they may be held in a juvenile detention center temporarily.
It is important to understand that the primary focus of the Cranberry Township juvenile justice process is rehabilitation. It is not the goal to punish the child or incarcerate them for long periods of time. For that reason, there are strict limits on how and when a juvenile can be detained after an arrest.
Children cannot be held in detention for more than 10 days without having a hearing in front of a judge. Most of the time, they are released much sooner than that following an arrest. It is not uncommon for the court to release them with certain conditions in place that allow law enforcement to monitor the juvenile before trial.
While there are opportunities for settling these cases with a negotiated resolution or diversionary program, many ultimately go before a judge in the Cranberry Township juvenile justice system. This process is very different compared to adults facing criminal charges. The proceedings are not open to the public, and the accused may be “adjudicated delinquent” instead of being found guilty of a crime.
There are no juries; instead, the judge hears the evidence and renders a decision.
A child has the right to an attorney as part of the defense process. Not every case will result in adjudication, as the court might determine the child is not a threat to the public or that they have not committed a crime. However, it is also possible for a juvenile to be charged as an adult.
This means they could face incarceration through the adult legal system despite their age. The court will only take this step in the most serious of cases.
If your child was arrested, it is critical for you to understand the juvenile defense process in Cranberry Township. Young people have more legal protections than adults, and the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. However, the potential consequences for some crimes are still significant.
The best path forward is to rely on our committed defense attorneys for help. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and are therefore uniquely qualified and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Contact us as soon as possible to learn how we could use our experience and skills on your child’s behalf.
Any time a minor is charged with a crime, they will go through the juvenile defense process in Cranberry Township. This is very different from the justice system that adults face. While the consequences may not be as severe, being adjudicated delinquent can still impact your child’s future.
Regardless of the specific charge or the potential consequences, it is vital that your child has the support of strong legal counsel. Our team could work tirelessly to protect their rights and future. Reach out right away to discuss your options with our compassionate youth defense attorneys about the juvenile justice system.
The Cranberry Township juvenile defense process usually starts with an arrest. Often, this occurs when a law enforcement officer witnesses a crime. In other situations, an investigation might uncover the identity of a young person who allegedly committed an offense such as theft or vandalism.
Arrests are typically made by the police, who do not always know the age of the person they are dealing with. If the alleged offense occurred at school, a resource officer might detain the student.
Most of the time, arrested juveniles are released to their parents or guardians while their case proceeds through the judicial system. In some cases, they may be held in a juvenile detention center temporarily.
It is important to understand that the primary focus of the Cranberry Township juvenile justice process is rehabilitation. It is not the goal to punish the child or incarcerate them for long periods of time. For that reason, there are strict limits on how and when a juvenile can be detained after an arrest.
Children cannot be held in detention for more than 10 days without having a hearing in front of a judge. Most of the time, they are released much sooner than that following an arrest. It is not uncommon for the court to release them with certain conditions in place that allow law enforcement to monitor the juvenile before trial.
While there are opportunities for settling these cases with a negotiated resolution or diversionary program, many ultimately go before a judge in the Cranberry Township juvenile justice system. This process is very different compared to adults facing criminal charges. The proceedings are not open to the public, and the accused may be “adjudicated delinquent” instead of being found guilty of a crime.
There are no juries; instead, the judge hears the evidence and renders a decision.
A child has the right to an attorney as part of the defense process. Not every case will result in adjudication, as the court might determine the child is not a threat to the public or that they have not committed a crime. However, it is also possible for a juvenile to be charged as an adult.
This means they could face incarceration through the adult legal system despite their age. The court will only take this step in the most serious of cases.
If your child was arrested, it is critical for you to understand the juvenile defense process in Cranberry Township. Young people have more legal protections than adults, and the juvenile justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. However, the potential consequences for some crimes are still significant.
The best path forward is to rely on our committed defense attorneys for help. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and are therefore uniquely qualified and well-equipped to defend criminal cases. Contact us as soon as possible to learn how we could use our experience and skills on your child’s behalf.