As a parent, you often worry about the safety and wellbeing of your child. It can be especially scary when you receive a phone call that your teen has been arrested. For the first time, you may no longer have control over the consequences that your child receives. It’s common and likely that you will have a lot of questions. Here are a few of the most common questions about juvenile crimes in New Jersey:
What Can I Expect to Happen Next?
In most cases, your teen will be released to you. However, you will be responsible for ensuring that they show up for their sentencing. In New Jersey, there isn’t a jury trial. This means that the outcome is usually up to the police officer or the judge. A lot of judges will focus on rehabilitation or recovery, especially in cases involving alcohol or drugs. However, this is not always the case.
What Can You Do?
While you may feel like you have minimal control, there are a few things that you can do. First, get the details about what happened. Find out what your teen is being charged with, and what evidence they have. Avoid giving any information, or making any agreements, at this time. Then, it may be a good idea to contact a criminal defense lawyer.
Your teen’s future is at risk and a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal. This may mean your teen serving community service versus jail time. It may also mean that their charges can be dropped as long as they meet all requirements of their probation. A lawyer can help you evaluate any potential juvenile programs.
What are a Juvenile’s Rights in New Jersey?
In some ways, a juvenile’s rights are the same as an adult’s. This means that they have the same Miranda rights. They have the right to stay silent or to request an attorney. However, one of the biggest differences between an adult and juvenile’s rights in New Jersey is that while an adult doesn’t have to hire a lawyer, a juvenile must have legal representation. A minor also doesn’t have a right to a jury trial.
While the state may assign a lawyer to your teen’s case, it may be in their, and your, best interest to choose your own.
What Consequences Can a Child Receive?
While not as common, it is possible for a child to receive the same sentencing as an adult. The details of the crime, and if the teen has priors, will make a difference in the charges. Additionally, judges may be more likely to offer rehabilitative sentencing in the form of community service or drug classes.
Depending on the details of the case, the court may also move to remove the child from your care. This is especially likely if they believe that their home life is contributing to their criminal record. Your teen’s future is at risk if they are dealing with pending criminal charges. You deserve a compassionate criminal defense lawyer who will fight for their rights and their future.
Contact an Experienced Camden County Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Teen’s Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Was your teen arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Attorneys Hartman, Chartered have successfully represented clients charged with juvenile crimes in Voorhees, Marlton, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-393-6073 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 68 E. Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.