Abogados de Juvenile Law

Juvenile Law Lawyers Across the United States

Juvenile law covers the legal system that handles cases involving minors, typically anyone under 18. The juvenile justice system operates separately from adult courts, with its own rules, terminology, and goals. Where adult courts focus on punishment, juvenile courts emphasize rehabilitation and the best interests of the child.

What Juvenile Law Covers

Juvenile delinquency cases involve minors accused of acts that would be crimes if committed by adults. These range from shoplifting and vandalism to serious felonies. Some cases may be transferred to adult court depending on the offense and the minor's age.

Status offenses are behaviors that are only illegal because of the person's age — truancy, curfew violations, and underage drinking fall into this category. Juvenile law also covers dependency cases, where the state intervenes because a child is abused, neglected, or abandoned. Attorneys in this field represent minors, parents, or the state in these proceedings.

When to Hire a Juvenile Law Attorney

• Your child has been arrested or charged with a delinquent act
• A school discipline matter could result in expulsion or criminal referral
• Child Protective Services has opened an investigation involving your family
• The prosecution seeks to transfer your child's case to adult court
• Your child needs representation at a detention hearing or adjudication

How the Juvenile Court Process Works

After a minor is taken into custody, a detention hearing typically happens within 24 to 72 hours. A judge decides whether the youth stays in a detention facility or goes home while the case proceeds. About 55% of juvenile cases referred to court are handled formally through a petition, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The next step is an adjudicatory hearing, which functions like a trial but without a jury in most states. If the court finds the minor responsible, a dispositional hearing determines the outcome. Dispositions can include probation, community service, counseling programs, or placement in a residential facility. Many cases are resolved through diversion programs before ever reaching a hearing.

How Outcomes Are Determined in Juvenile Cases

• Severity of the offense — judges weigh the seriousness of the act and any harm caused to victims
• The minor's prior record and history of contact with the juvenile system
• Results from risk assessments and psychological evaluations ordered by the court
• Family environment and available support systems at home
• Restitution amounts for victims, calculated based on actual financial losses like property damage or medical costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child have a permanent criminal record from juvenile court?

In most states, juvenile records are sealed or confidential by default. Many states allow expungement once the minor reaches a certain age or completes their disposition. However, cases transferred to adult court create adult records that are much harder to seal.

Can a parent be held responsible for a juvenile's actions?

Every state has some form of parental liability law. Parents may be financially responsible for property damage or injuries caused by their child. Some states cap this liability between $5,000 and $25,000, while others impose no limit. A court can also order parents to participate in counseling or parenting programs as part of the case disposition.