Bronx Juvenile Defense

Far too many people believe that a juvenile being accused of a crime is not a serious matter and therefore, one can avoid the process of hiring a criminal defense attorney. The truth is that any allegations against the juvenile should be taken seriously because of the potential repercussions for that juvenile's life.

Failing to take necessary action to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney can be a big mistake. It is important to not just hire someone who can serve as a juvenile criminal defense attorney, but one who is aware of alternative punishments and the New York's family court system.

The right lawyer can go a long way towards preserving a child's rights and to give you a broad overview of what to expect and the potential consequences down the line. Juvenile defense attorneys help with common types of juvenile offenses alleged against minors in the Bronx. The right Bronx juvenile defense lawyer can help with charges of:

• Burglary
• Rape
• Assault and battery
• Domestic violence
• Shoplifting
• Traffic violations
• Driving on a suspended license
• Minor consumption of alcohol
• DWI
• Drug possession or sale

Children under the age of 18 are viewed as incompetent to represent for their own best interests, however, children under the age of 18 can still be charged as an adult if they commit any crime. This is why you need a juvenile defense lawyer who will interact directly with the parents or guardians serving on behalf of the child when it comes to any criminal charges. In family court or juvenile court across New York, there is a greater emphasis on rehabilitation. Your juvenile defense lawyer in the Bronx can tell you more about this because it does not mean that a juvenile offender can avoid serious consequences based on this alone. Serious violent offenses could lead to a minor being locked up beyond age 18. For other types of offenses however, the court uses discretion for alternative sentencing. Having a Bronx juvenile defense lawyer who is aware of and comfortable with the system and who can advocate for these alternative punishments can be extremely valuable.

The family courts in the Bronx make greater use of counselling, substance abuse treatment, diversion programs and locked down schools. In order to fight for the minimum amount of penalties, your juvenile defense attorney in the Bronx should be prepared to bring in character witnesses to speak to the child's temperament and commitment to school and the community. Furthermore, a juvenile defense lawyer should be ready to help the child prepare for court including speaking respectfully in court and dressing appropriately. If a child has been arrested in the Bronx or anywhere else in New York because of a juvenile offense, it is critical to get legal counsel from someone who is familiar with the system.

There are many sensitive issues involved when someone is facing juvenile crimes particularly if the prosecution intends to pursue this aggressively. Without knowing it, you could be compromising the integrity of your case by avoiding getting an attorney or by hiring an attorney who is not familiar with the juvenile defense system in New York.

An attorney who regularly practices in juvenile defense system will have extensive experience and understanding of the common alternatives available in comparison with stricter penalties. Being able to navigate this with the help of a lawyer who knows what it is like to be in this situation can help you significantly. Do not hesitate to reach out to a Bronx juvenile defense lawyer immediately after a minor has been accused. With so many stakes on the line, getting help promptly is vital.

A juvenile’s life could be forever changed by being punished for a crime. Even when he or she serves the punishment for the crime, it can set him or her off of a timeline to graduate from high school and to move on with their life. That future is well worth protecting if you’re a parent, so make sure you explain your concerns to the right lawyer at the outset of any accusations against your child. A lawyer may be able to help eliminate or dismiss the charges.