Our blog post a few weeks ago touched on some of the differences between the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. Though individuals facing allegations of wrongdoing potentially face serious penalties and long-term consequences regardless of the system in which they find themselves, each system does contain certain elements lacking in the other. Though the juvenile system may be a little more lenient and geared toward helping youth turn their lives around, if defendants do not adequately protect their rights, they could be hit with harsh penalties that drastically affect their lives.
Depending on the allegations that you or your child face in Virginia, he or she could lose their childhood if convicted. Penalties for juvenile offenses range from probation and community service to placement in a juvenile detention facility or being sentenced to incarceration until he or she turns 21. Though a juvenile’s record may be sealed, these penalties can still have a significant portion of his or her life stripped away and cause damage to his or her reputation.
For this reason, if your child is facing criminal accusations, then you may want to seek out a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your child’s rights. The legal team at The Collins Law Firm, P.C. has years of experience defending teenagers and other minors against aggressive prosecutors. We utilize negotiation and litigation tactics to seek a resolution that is fair and favorable, allowing our client to move on with his or her life with as little damage as possible.
Choosing an attorney is a difficult task and one that should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it might be wise for you to consult with potential attorneys before deciding on one in order to assess their familiarity of the juvenile law system. Then, once you are fully informed, you can make the decision that is right for you and your child.
