Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers Serving O’Fallon, St. Charles County, and the Surrounding Counties
As a parent, there’s nothing more distressing than watching your child get into trouble with the law. And as a child, there’s nothing more overwhelming than facing criminal charges at a young age. In such situations, a juvenile defense attorney can make all the difference in the world.
Suddarth and Koor, LLC knows the juvenile justice system works a little differently than the adult criminal justice system. When an adult violates a criminal statute or commits a criminal traffic offense, he or she is charged with a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the offense. The penalties for a conviction are defined in statutes, and usually include jail time and fines, or one or the other.
What is a juvenile crime?
When a juvenile commits acts that violate a law, instead of being charged with a crime, typically what happens is that a petition for delinquency is filed. The delinquency process in many ways functions similarly to the adult criminal process. The juvenile goes through a process of either admitting or denying the offense, and there is a phase in which evidence and testimony is presented as to the juvenile’s guilt or innocence of the offense.
The St. Charles, MO criminal lawyers at Suddarth & Koor represent minors who have been accused of committing a crime. Our attorneys have specialized knowledge and experience in dealing with juvenile cases, and they work to protect the rights and interests of their clients.
The juvenile defense attorneys at Suddarth & Koor typically work in private practice or public defense offices. In some cases, our juvenile defense attorneys may also work in collaboration with social workers, mental health professionals, and other experts to provide comprehensive support to their clients.
Attorneys defending juveniles accused of a crime
The potential of these outcomes can be frightening both for a juvenile and for a parent or guardian. At Suddarth and Koor, LLC the goal of any outcome should be to protect the best interests of juveniles while also balancing the interests and safety of the public and society. It’s important for the juvenile to have a skilled and compassionate juvenile defense lawyer through the process to ensure that his or her interests are represented and that a strong voice is speaking on his or her behalf.
Some juvenile matters are similar to adult offenses, such as shoplifting, assault, and battery. Other offenses, like breaking curfew, are unique to juveniles. Most juvenile courts and rules try to focus on rehabilitating the juvenile and probation, as opposed to incarceration. If a case is severe enough, then the juvenile may be tried as an adult.
Our juvenile defense attorneys provide legal representation to minors who are facing criminal charges. We work to ensure that their clients receive a fair trial and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
The responsibilities of a juvenile defense attorney can vary depending on the case. Some of the most dadcommon tasks include:
- Investigating the charges against the juvenile
- Collecting evidence and witness statements
- Reviewing police reports and other relevant documents
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or sentencing
- Representing the juvenile in court proceedings
- Advising the juvenile and their family on legal matters
- Working with other professionals to provide support and resources to the juvenile
Free Juvenile Crime Defense Law Consultation
