New York Juvenile Crime or Youthful Offender Cases

Juvenile offenders face different challenges in court than adult offenders. While they do have additional rights and can be safeguarded by family courts, children under the age of 18 or 16 must have appropriate representation to guide them through the criminal process. You may be wondering:

• Will my child be charged as an adult?
• What are the penalties for juveniles?
• Will my child be removed from school if charged?
• How can I best protect my child’s rights?

Call 212-747-0200 or contact us by email today to speak directly with a juvenile crimes defense attorney.

In the State of New York, juvenile criminal matters are handled by the New York Family Court, not the criminal courts. If the defendant is under 16, he or she is considered a juvenile in all jurisdictions, including The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Manhattan. However, it is important to know that the District Attorney has the discretion to charge a juvenile as an adult. Children are often charged as adults in cases involving:

• Rape and sexual assault
• Murder, homicide and violent crimes

Experienced juvenile crime defense

If your child was arrested, they will typically be returned to your custody. You will be notified of the criminal charge your child is facing and be given a court date when your child should appear. You should contact a juvenile criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect their rights and ensure a fair trial. If your child is charged as an adult, he or she may face jail time. It is important to work with a defense team that will see the crime remains in juvenile court. Our attorneys are experienced in the defense of crimes involving:

• Assault and battery
• School fights
• Weapons, including gun possession

§ Drug charges

• Sex crimes
• Property crimes: theft, robbery
• Internet crimes
• Underage drinking defense
• Juvenile delinquency
• Drunk driving/DWI

One difference for juvenile criminal matters is that there is no right to a jury trial. In juvenile cases, the judge has full discretion to determine whether the child is guilty under the law. A child who is found guilty may face “placement” in a facility where treatment may be available. Other penalties include fines and probation. Our attorneys keep you informed and provide you with the information you need to protect your child’s rights.

To schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help you defend against a juvenile crime, contact New York divorce and family law attorney Edgar De Leon. Se habla español.