While distinct from adult criminal court in many ways, children facing charges in juvenile court may face serious penalties, some of which may follow the child for the rest of their lives. Under Pennsylvania law, is not a legal requirement to have a lawyer in juvenile court. However, a juvenile defense attorney can be incredibly helpful in navigating the juvenile legal system, mitigating the later consequences of an adjudication of delinquency in juvenile court, and securing the best possible outcome.
If your loved one is facing charges in juvenile court in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia, or Southern New Jersey, turn to the trusted and experienced juvenile criminal defense team at the Law Offices of E. William Hevenor. We will fight aggressively and exhaust every option for the best possible outcome. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can protect your loved one’s freedom and future.
The Difference Between Juvenile Court and Criminal Court
Juvenile court is an entirely different ballpark from adult criminal court. It’s important to understand the key differences between the two and to work with a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney who is experienced in juvenile cases. Pennsylvania uses unique terminology when it comes to juvenile court. Instead of a criminal conviction, Juvenile court refers to the same finding as an adjudication of delinquency.
Juvenile court is distinct from adult criminal court in that the goal, rather than to deter and punish, is to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents so that they can become law-abiding citizens within their community. Juvenile court covers most crimes committed by children under the age of 18. Depending on the juvenile’s age and the severity of the crime, a juvenile may be charged as an adult. There are also motions that can be made by prosecutors to transfer a juvenile court case to adult court, and defense attorneys may make a similar motion to transfer a case from adult court to juvenile court.
The Consequences of an Adjudication in Juvenile Court
While the Pennsylvania juvenile court is designed to protect minors from the full adult consequences of committing crimes, there are still many consequences that a juvenile may face if adjudicated of delinquency. While juvenile court tends to prefer juvenile probation with specific conditions, depending on the severity of the offense the juvenile may be sentenced to a period of time confined in a correctional institution for juveniles or may be asked to pay court costs, a fine, or restitution. A juvenile record can be expunged five years after the juvenile completes their sentence, with the exception of certain sexual offenses which cannot be expunged.
Beyond the direct consequences of the crime committed, there are many collateral consequences that may occur as a result of an adjudication of delinquency in Pennsylvania. This includes the potential for a criminal record, which may be open to the public under certain circumstances, and the potential for mandatory registration on Pennsylvania’s sex offender registry for specific sexual offenses.
An adjudication of delinquency in juvenile court can also have a negative impact on the juvenile’s:
- Education at the high-school level
- Higher education or trade school opportunities
- Employment opportunities
- Access to public housing
- Ability to enlist in the military
- Immigration status
- Driver’s license
- Ability to carry a firearm
The Role of a Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
A juvenile criminal defense attorney’s primary duty is to safeguard the child’s rights and best interests through the juvenile criminal justice process. As in any case, your attorney will evaluate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build the strongest possible defense strategies, tailored to the needs of the child and their family. Your attorney will also fight to ensure that the child faces the least possible consequences so they have every educational and occupational opportunity the future has to offer.
Your attorney will take this defense and represent the child at the adjudicatory hearing in juvenile court, presenting evidence and arguing relentlessly for your child’s freedom and future. A skilled juvenile criminal defense attorney can also help you explore options to avoid juvenile court, including negotiating agreements with the prosecution and making a case for parent or guardian supervision instead of juvenile court supervision.
Experienced Chester County Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
The consequences of an adjudication of delinquency in juvenile court can follow the minor for the rest of their lives. Juvenile court, while different in many ways, should be taken just as seriously as adult criminal court. Just as you would want an experienced advocate by your side for any proceedings in a criminal court, it’s advisable to secure representation for proceedings in juvenile court.The experienced juvenile criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of E. William Hevenor are committed to guiding you through the juvenile justice system and empowering your loved one to overcome the challenges of juvenile court so they can focus on their education and have a future filled with opportunities. Our team proudly serves Chester County and beyond – across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us today or call us at (610)-251-9930.