Safeguarding Your Child’s Future
As a parent, you want a bright future for your child. Criminal charges can threaten that future. When your child faces an uncertain future, you need to make sure they have a legal advocate who will fight for their best interests. The attorneys at Conrad/Wood Law are well-versed in juvenile law, in addition to having a stellar reputation as aggressive criminal defense lawyers.
Cases Tried In Juvenile Court
The juvenile court oversees most cases that allege a child under the age of 18 committed a crime. The state may choose to prosecute certain crimes in adult court if the child is 14 or older at the time of the alleged crime. In many cases, however, the law encourages prosecutors to focus on intervention and rehabilitation for minors.
Minors may end up in juvenile court for a wide variety of reasons. At Conrad/Wood Law, we often assist clients with the following types of charges:
- Juvenile delinquency findings
- Unruly child charge (against the child)
- School suspension or expulsion
- Juvenile traffic violations
- Probation revocation hearings
This list refers more to the category of charges than the specific alleged act.
The outcome of these proceedings is called an adjudication, where the court determines whether your child committed the act. If not, the court dismisses the charge. If so, the court will issue a disposition or penalty. The penalty depends heavily on the facts of each case and whether this is the first time your child has faced charges. Penalties often include one or more of the following:
- Letter of apology
- Fines
- Counseling or therapy
- Community service
- Curfews
- House arrest
- Time in a detention center
Very serious crimes may result in time in a Department of Youth Services facility. We always work toward a dismissal or reduced charges, but if your child is convicted, we will present a strong case for minimal penalties.
Other Juvenile Law Matters
Juvenile law involves more than just criminal allegations against a minor, though that is the focus of the juvenile court system. In a broader sense, juvenile law also addresses legal issues regarding the well-being of a child such as allegations involving child protective services, unruly child charges (against the parent) and child support contempt. Conrad/Wood Law can assist you with these legal issues, as well.
Discuss Your Juvenile Law Case With Us
Our attorneys are ready to assist you and your child. Contact our Lancaster office by calling 740-277-6404 or sending a message online. We serve clients throughout Fairfield, Perry, Hocking and Atlas counties and surrounding areas.