Children make mistakes. That’s what youth is for, after all, to live and learn.
When your child commits a crime as a minor, it shouldn’t follow them around for the rest of their life, especially if they do the work to correct their behavior. Juveniles can commit the same offenses as adults, such as theft, robbery, driving under the influence (DUI), drug possession, vandalism, criminal trespassing, harassment, and sexual assault.
While adults face criminal charges for the same offenses, minor children convicted of these crimes face juvenile criminal charges through the juvenile justice system. In juvenile crime cases, a conviction can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, incarceration, or probation.
Without legal representation and the possibility of a reduced sentence or dropped charges, a criminal record can impact your child’s future educational opportunities, intimate relationships, and ability to secure or keep employment, among others.
A criminal defense lawyer with experience in juvenile offenses and an understanding of the criminal justice system can clearly explain your child’s legal options and fight for their rights. This is crucial in your child’s case and future—and we can be that asset.
Contact us and get your child legal representation that is willing to go the extra mile to protect their future. Schedule a free consultation with Ernst & Associates, and speak with one of our experienced juvenile lawyers today.
What are Examples of Juvenile Crimes in Ohio?
Roughly half of all youth arrests are made because of theft, simple assault, drug abuse, disorderly conduct, and curfew violations. Ohio has an incarceration rate of 659 per 100,000 people, including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice facilities.
This means, as a state, we lock up a higher percentage of people overall than almost any other democracy in the United States, according to prisonpolicy.org. Juvenile delinquents are part of this.
The most common juvenile offenses include:
- Larceny
- Vandalism
- Assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Drugs and alcohol offenses
- Truancy
- Breaking of curfew
Young offenders might also get involved with possessing stolen property, drug and alcohol crimes, violent crimes, burglary, status offenses, and vandalism. Juvenile children close to adulthood can be tried as adults or in the circumstances of serious crimes such as rape or murder.
If your son or daughter has been involved in a juvenile offense, consult a juvenile attorney with Ernst & Associates, to review the charges and discuss potential legal solutions. Contact us and book a free consultation with our criminal defense team.
What are the Charges for Juvenile Crimes in the Juvenile Justice System?
Juvenile offenders are subject to juvenile criminal charges, including incarceration and non-incarceration penalties.
The methods used to sentence juvenile offenders in juvenile court are treated differently than criminal charges in adult court. Per nolo.com, as punishment for crimes committed, a judge might order confinement for a delinquent juvenile through:
- Home confinement and house arrest
- Placement with someone other than a parent or guardian
- Juvenile hall or juvenile detention facility
- Probation after juvenile hall
- Secured juvenile facilities
- Adult jail
- Juvenile and adult jail
With first-time offenses or less serious charges, a judge might use alternative methods to punish a juvenile delinquent in juvenile court. This could include a verbal warning, fines, counseling, community service, electronic monitoring, and probation.
Our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys are experienced in juvenile law and juvenile offenses. We will ensure your child’s future is at the forefront with every decision we make in resolving your case.
If you and your child plan on facing the unknowns of the juvenile justice system, contact a juvenile attorney with Ernst & Associates to avoid the maximum sentence and a lasting mark on your child’s record.
What are the Differences and Similarities between the Juvenile Court System and Criminal Justice System?
There are some similarities between juvenile and adult courts and key differences. In both adult crime and juvenile crime cases, adults and juveniles have the same rights, including:
- The right to a lawyer
- The ability to cross-examine and confront witnesses
- The right to not incriminate yourself
- The right to know the charges against you
- The prosecution must prove the charges against you
As for differences, adults are convicted of committing crimes that result in a criminal offense, while juveniles are punished for delinquent acts. This is why a juvenile, after being convicted, is considered a juvenile delinquent rather than a criminal.
Another way to decipher the two is juveniles are tried in an adjudication hearing instead of a public trial, which includes a judge and court that make the final ruling. Finally, the goal of the juvenile justice system is to create a judgment call that’s in the best interest of the minor and their future.
A juvenile attorney can help promote and push for alternative sentencing and rehabilitation to help put your child on a better path.
Our law firm will stand by your child’s side during this challenging time and offer the best possible defense against potential charges. Contact us today to discuss ways we can be of service and help in your juvenile case.
How Can a Juvenile Crime Lawyer Help My Child?
Since opening our doors in 1996, Ernst & Associates, has worked with parents throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky to help them resolve their children’s legal problems. Our firm is led by Attorney Matthew Ernst, a nationally recognized attorney.
In a juvenile case, we understand your fears as a parent and know what is on the line for your child. Our attorneys will leverage our knowledge and experience to minimize the consequences of running afoul of the law.
To prevent negative impacts on your child’s future opportunities, you must speak with an experienced lawyer. Our goal, ultimately, is to get the charges dropped. If the prosecution is unwilling to drop charges, we encourage the court to use an alternative sentencing option. This can include anger management classes, diversion programs, or counseling. To avoid the long-term consequences of a conviction, your child can put this behind them and move forward.
While every type of criminal charge should be taken seriously, underage OVIs are incredibly complex. Ohio has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking. If you are under the age of 21 and are pulled over with a blood alcohol content of .02 or more, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.
If found guilty, the penalties are severe. Your child could be looking at fines, time behind bars, and a license suspension between six months to three years. Your child also may be required to complete an alcohol treatment program. With Ernst & Associates and our team of juvenile attorneys by your side, we will work to minimize these penalties.
Put your trust in a team that will do everything they can to help you. Contact our law firm at 513-579-9500 and get the legal support your child needs to succeed in an authoritarian state and juvenile justice system.
