Juvenile Crimes

Receiving a call from the authorities saying that your child was taken into custody can be alarming. Children who are arrested for a crime can face serious consequences. If your child has been taken into custody, do not hesitate to contact a juvenile crimes lawyer. A juvenile crimes lawyer can help protect your child’s rights and mitigate the matter.

How Long Does The Order Of Protection Last?

If an Order of Protection is done by mutual agreement, it can last for any time period from one day to two years. Typically, it may be for three months, six months, or a year if it’s settled. If it’s decided after a hearing, the judge will grant it for two years, although they can do it for less if they don’t think a two-year Order of Protection is justified. It can also be extended for up to five years if there are aggravating circumstances involved; typically, that means some kind of weapon was involved. Also, you have the right to file for an extension of the Order of Protection before it expires, but you have to show the court good cause for why your order should be extended. Read More

If My Child Is Found Guilty At The Juvenile Delinquency Hearing, What Are Potential Consequences For Him Or Her?

There are several different things that a judge can do if a child is found guilty or if they, let’s say, plea to have committed an offense. The least restrictive thing is what’s called an ADC, or adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. Basically, that means that the child is to not commit any further offenses for a certain period, usually six to 12 months, and if the child abides by that, then the case is dismissed and sealed against them. There is a conditional discharge that’s normally 12 months where the child has to abide by certain rules (i.e., obeying curfews, going to school, avoiding being charged with any further offenses). At the end of the 12 months, again, the case would be dismissed, and there’d be no finding against them. Read More