Children below the age of 18 can be charged in court if they have engaged in any activity against the law. Although their sentences may not be as hefty as those of adults, you would do well to get them the legal representation they need to get past this situation.
If these charges are not expunged, your child will have a permanent record that could negatively impact different areas of their lives when they eventually become adults.
The juvenile crime lawyers at Cohen & Bernstein, LLC, and other such experienced firms can offer legal representation to your child and help them get the best possible outcome. Reach out to these lawyers as soon as possible.
What You Should Know as a Parent of a Child Accused of a Crime
If your child has been accused of a crime, there are a few things you should know:
Your child can be detained and questioned
Law enforcement can detain your child for questioning, especially if they believe there’s probable cause. However, being detained is not the same as being arrested.
The duration of this questioning varies depending on your state’s laws and how complex the case is. Your presence during questioning is not guaranteed, but you should do everything possible to get a lawyer involved as soon as possible.
Probation is the most likely outcome for misdemeanors
In juvenile court, rehabilitation is more important than punishment. Cases are less formal, with a judge presiding over the proceedings.
If the crime they committed is not severe, your child will probably be let off with probation, community service, restitution payment, or even detention in a juvenile facility. It all depends on the severity of the accusation.
Missing a hearing can have severe consequences
Court dates are sacred, and you must ensure that your child does not miss even one. If they do, the court can interpret it as a lack of cooperation, and that can lead to your child’s arrest or worsen the outcome of the case.
If possible, get the schedule of the court dates from your lawyer so you can ensure that your child is punctual to every single hearing.
You can be held liable to an extent
There’s a chance you can be held responsible for some of the damage your child causes. You might be asked to offer restitution to the victim or compensation for property damage.
Whatever the case may be, you should discuss it with your lawyer to understand your options. You can also explore possible avenues, like insurance coverage, to sort out these liabilities that you were assigned.
What Should You Do When Your Child Has Been Accused of a Crime?
If your child has been accused of a crime, here are the things you should do:
Ask your child to plead the 5th
The first hurdle is understanding your child’s legal rights. Know that your child has the right to remain silent if they desire. This means they don’t have to answer any questions from law enforcement without a lawyer present.
You must teach your child the importance of the Fifth Amendment and empower them to say, “I want to speak to my lawyer” if questioned by the police.
Do not contact the accuser or their family
Avoid any direct contact with the accuser or their family. This can worsen the situation and complicate the legal process. Even if your child admits to something, don’t jump to conclusions. Let the legal process play out, and allow your lawyer to build a strong defense.
Hire legal representation
Even though juvenile court is designed to help children get rehabilitation, things can easily spiral out of control, leaving them to face jail time instead of a correctional sentence.
You need a lawyer by your side to ensure that the outcome of the entire case favors your child. These lawyers will be your child’s voice in court. They understand the unique challenges faced by young people in court, and they can advocate for their rights efficiently.
The entire process will leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed. However, a good lawyer will take it upon themselves to guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand each step and giving you reasons to stay calm through it all.
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