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Understanding Juvenile Charges In New Jersey
Children arrested for criminal offenses may face a different array of penalties and procedures than adult offenders. Children quickly make mistakes, are impressionable, and are easily swayed by their peers.
They are also inexperienced in life and decision-making, and therefore, frequently commit errors in judgment. Moreover, teenagers are sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time and can easily be swept up in an arrest, even if they did not commit a crime. For these reasons, you must secure legal representation for your detained child before criminal investigators speak to him or her.
While youthful offenders do not typically face the harsh penalties adult offenders encounter. Still, serious consequences can result. Even if a child’s case stays in juvenile court, it can result in substantial fines, confinement, and – depending on the seriousness of the offense and whether or not your child is a repeat offender.
Common Juvenile Crime Charges Across New Jersey
Common Charges Faced By Children And Teens Include
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- Underage drinking
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- Harassment / bullying
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- Burglaries
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- Defaming school property
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- Threatening with a weapon
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- Campus crimes
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- Curfew violations
During our nearly 60 years of practicing inside county, state, and federal courtrooms, we have dealt with all of these charges. We also have extensive experience in dealing with probation violations.
Verdicts adjudicated against a minor may or may not be included in the individual’s permanent record. This factor alone can have a monumental impact on your son or daughter’s future, from college applications to employment opportunities. Prompt action and robust legal representation can make the difference.
Juvenile Delinquency FAQ
- What is juvenile delinquency? Juvenile delinquency is defined as an act by a juvenile under 18 that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime, disorderly person’s offense, a petty disorderly person’s offense, or violation of any other criminal statute, ordinance, or regulation.
- How does a juvenile delinquency complaint start? The police, based on personal knowledge or information supplied by others, sign most juvenile complaints. In addition, school officials may also sign criminal complaints.
- What happens after the Juvenile complaint is filed? The family court must decide whether to proceed with the complaint or divert it.
- What is the overall goal of the juvenile delinquency courts? They are rehabilitation and accountability.
- When does the child need an attorney in juvenile delinquency court? The child is required to have an attorney in all formal and counsel-mandatory court proceedings.
- Can a juvenile charged with juvenile delinquency be bailed out of jail? No because there is no bail in juvenile delinquency court. However, a detention hearing must be held within two days.
The court can handle a juvenile’s case by:
(A) Juvenile conference committee, which is comprised of citizens who reside in the municipality, makes a recommendation that will assist in the juvenile’s rehabilitation;
(B) Intake services conference—This is conducted by Family Court staff and operates like the juvenile conference committee.
(C) Juvenile hearing officer or informal non-mandatory court—A juvenile hearing officer will find the child guilty or innocent and recommend to the judge the consequences for the child.
(D) Formal or counsel mandatory hearing – only a judge may preside over a formal hearing. In a formal hearing, your child must have an attorney.
Juvenile Penalties And Jail Time
Under Certain Circumstances, A Person Under The Age Of 18 Can Be Charged As An Adult
Parents of juveniles who have committed offenses also bear some accountability within the Juvenile Justice System. The court considers you responsible for your child’s actions. For this reason, you can face:
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- Payment for the cost of your child’s care
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- Community service with your offending juvenile
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- Service to the victim that will help rehabilitate your child
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- Required attendance at a parental responsibility program
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- Temporary loss of custody of your child
Parent’s Liability
Additionally, outside the juvenile justice system, a parent may be held liable for damages to the victim in a separate civil court proceeding. These cases often turn on knowledge of the child’s behavior or similar behavior in the past.
One thing to bear in mind is that any convicted juvenile offender can face:
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- Fines
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- Restitution
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- Detention
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- Probation and assignment to a supervised work program
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- Commitment to a Community Accountability Program
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- Out-of-home placement
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- Commitment to the Division of Youth Corrections
Parents of juveniles who have committed offenses also bear some accountability within the Juvenile Justice System. The court considers you responsible for your child’s actions. For this reason, you can face:
-
- Payment for the cost of your child’s care
-
- Community service with your offending juvenile
-
- Service to the victim that will help rehabilitate your child
-
- Required attendance at a parental responsibility program
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- Temporary loss of custody of your child
Parent’s Liability
Additionally, outside the juvenile justice system, a parent may be held liable for damages to the victim in a separate civil court proceeding. These cases often turn on knowledge of the child’s behavior or similar behavior in the past.
Determined Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorneys
Our New Jersey juvenile crime lawyers can help you understand the rights and options you have when your child is facing a criminal misdemeanor or felony charge, including a crime at school, vandalism, or a juvenile sex crime. Our New Jersey criminal law firm can represent your child at a dependency proceeding and help you seal a juvenile record for offenses once they turn 18. In cases involving the expungement or sealing of a juvenile record, it is extremely beneficial to do so, as colleges and future employers may review a person’s criminal background.
Our office can also assist with juvenile law appeals and sealing juvenile records to help protect your child’s future.
An allegation of a juvenile crime can have a devastating effect on your child’s reputation, livelihood, and overall well-being, and therefore it is important that a Juvenile case be handled with extreme care and caution by experienced and savvy legal attorneys.
Contact us today
If your child was arrested on a Juvenile charge in New Jersey, contact Aiello, Harris, Abate Law Group PC today, and we will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Our juvenile crimes attorneys maintain flexible office hours, with weekend appointments available, and we can meet you at your home if you are unable to travel to our office. Juvenile allegations can seriously affect your child’s reputation and ability to maintain or secure future employment.
Call us today at (908) 561-5577 or contact us. Your initial consultation will take place over the phone, and you can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.
Contact our New Jersey Juvenile Crime Lawyers
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