A child who has been charged with a criminal offense in Pennsylvania could face very serious penalties that can greatly affect his or her future. When this is your child, you want to find the best possible legal representation to protect your child's best interests. Without this defense, your child's future education and employment could be negatively impacted.
A juvenile offense should not ruin a person's life. With the help of an experienced Northampton County Juvenile Offense Attorney, you can present a strong legal defense to protect your child's future.
Juvenile Offenses in Northampton County, PA
A person is subject to the juvenile system in Pennsylvania when he or she is between the ages of 10 and under 18. When this is the case, any violation of Pennsylvania law, either a misdemeanor or a felony, will be considered a "delinquent act." The same act that would subject an adult to extremely serious penalties can be more successfully defended for a juvenile so long as you have experienced legal help at your side.
Juvenile offenders are typically subject to less harsh penalties as compared to adults who commit the very same offense. It also tends to be easier to expunge or seal the record of a juvenile. This does not mean that a criminal charge is not still serious. An offense committed as a juvenile can still negatively affect a person's future if it is not successfully defended or later sealed.
Potential Penalties for a Juvenile Charge in Pennsylvania
When a young person faces criminal charges, understanding the possible penalties he or she may face is key to protecting your child's legal rights. The punishments are often set by state law, and others are imposed at the discretion of the sentencing judge. In either case, with the right legal defense, your child can work to avoid the worst possible penalties, and work towards rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Common penalties imposed by a Pennsylvania judge include, but are not limited to:
- Time spent in a juvenile detention center
- Probation
- Community Service
- Counseling
- Substance abuse or drug treatment
- Loss of privilege to drive
- Drug testing
- High fines
- Jail or prison time (if charged as an adult)
- Curfew
- House arrest
Why Does My Child Need a Lawyer?
A juvenile offense is still an incredibly serious thing to have on your child's record. While the penalties may be different than an adult in the same situation would face, it is the impact on your child's future that is most at risk. However, with the help of an experienced Northampton County Juvenile Offense lawyer, you can put up a legal defense that will best protect the rights of your child.
The juvenile justice system is unique and requires an experienced lawyer to handle the intricacies of the system. Not every lawyer is qualified to handle juvenile justice cases.
Consult an Experienced Northampton County Juvenile Offense Attorney
If your child faces a juvenile offense charge, you need an experienced Northampton County Juvenile Offense Attorney from the LLF Law Firm to defend your child's future. Your first consultation on your child's juvenile offender case is free, so call (888) 535-3686 or contact us online today to schedule yours.
