Defending Juvenile Offenses in Bergen County, NJ
Experienced Bergen County Defense for Juvenile Offenses
When an adult is charged with a criminal offense, they typically understand the importance of the situation and contact a criminal defense attorney. However, when a juvenile is arrested, parents often decide not to retain an attorney. Perhaps parents make this decision because they feel the potential consequences do not warrant the time or money required to retain an attorney.
However, juvenile crimes carry the potential for serious and lasting consequences to a child. In addition to the fact that colleges may ask for information about juvenile offenses, certain juvenile offenses may be considered by the courts in making sentencing decisions if a juvenile is later charged with a crime as an adult. Juvenile crimes that involve a sex offense can lead to registration as a sex offender. A DWI can affect a teenager’s right to drive. Serious juvenile crimes can even lead to a protracted period of detention in a facility for juvenile offenders.
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in NJ
If your child has been accused of committing a juvenile crime, do not take their charges lightly. Have your child’s case handled properly by an experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with New Jersey criminal laws and procedures.
At Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC, we provide a vigorous defense against all juvenile crime charges, including:
- Drug charges
- Sex offenses
- Violent crimes: assault, burglary, aggravated assault
- Shoplifting and theft offenses
- Destruction of property and vandalism
- Alcohol related offenses
- DUI/DWI
Our attorney has handled hundreds of criminal law cases, including numerous juvenile crimes cases throughout the state of New Jersey.
Understanding Juvenile Crime Consequences in NJ
Will My Child Be Detained for a Juvenile Offense?
Answer: Rather than being sent to jail after being arrested, juvenile offenders are sent to either Juvenile Detention Centers or Youth Detention Centers in the county they live in. Keep in mind, the juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate the child, rather than punish them.
Is There a Risk of Adult Charges for Juveniles in NJ?
A: A child under 18 years of age—and over 14 years old—can be tried as an adult if he/she commits a serious criminal offense, such as homicide, robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, and aggravated arson. If convicted in adult court, they can serve the same criminal penalties as adults.
Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in New Jersey
A; A juvenile record can be expunged after two years since the final discharge from custody, supervision, or another court order, and the juvenile has demonstrated good behavior and hasn’t been convicted of another crime since. An expungement order will prohibit the child’s juvenile record for being seen by the public.
Get Help from Our NJ Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney
To schedule a free consultation at our law office, call (201) 488-7707 or contact us by e-mail.
We focus on the courts of Northern and Central New Jersey, including the Federal courts in Newark and Trenton and the State and Municipal courts of Bergen County, Essex County, Passaic County, Hudson County, Union County, Morris County, Middlesex County, Hackensack, Paterson, Passaic, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Morristown, Union City, Allendale, Alpine, Bergenfield, Bogota, Carlstadt, Cliffside Park, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Dumont, East Rutherford, Edgewater, Elmwood Park, Emerson, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fair Lawn, Fairview, Fort Lee, Franklin Lakes, Garfield, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Harrington Park, Hasbrouck Heights, Haworth, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Maywood, Midland Park, Montvale, Moonachie, New Milford, North Arlington, Northvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Oradell, Palisades Park, Paramus, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Ridgewood, River Edge, River Vale, Rochelle Park, Rockleigh, Rutherford, Saddle Brook, Saddle River, South Hackensack, Teaneck, Tenafly, Teterboro, Upper Saddle River, Waldwick, Wallington, Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Wood-Ridge, and Wyckoff.