Juvenile Defense Lawyer St Charles, MO
If a juvenile is suspected of committing a crime, there is a different procedure that is following than the typical procedure used for adult offenders in most criminal cases. Each state has created a special juvenile court system for if a minor is to get in trouble with the law. While some minors are found to be delinquent in a juvenile court, there are different components involved in which other outcomes could be created by judges, police officers, or prosecutors. If your minor has been charged with a crime, it is important you speak with the criminal defense lawyer St Charles, MO trusts most to help, from Traffic Ticket Center.
Police and Juveniles
There are multiple ways police officers and a minor get in contact because of the allegation of violating a criminal statute. Sometimes minors are arrested by police officers, while other times parents or school officials will refer the minor to the police. No matter which way the police got involved with the juvenile case, there are several ways a police officer could choose to deal with the minor in a few different ways.
- Issue a warning: The police officer can issue a warning and then let the minor go. This is typically seen as the “counseled and released” option.
- Detain the minor until their parent comes: In some instances, the police will hold the minor, provide them with a warning, and then release the minor to their parents’ custody.
- Refer the minor to juvenile court: The police may decide to put the juvenile in custody and refer their case to go to juvenile court. In this instance, it is important to speak with a St Charles, MO juvenile defense lawyer.
When Do Cases Go to Juvenile Court
If a police officer refers the minor’s case to go to juvenile court, either a probation officer or a prosecutor takes over. That person could choose to file formal charges, dismiss the case, or handle the issue informally.
If the issue is handled informally, the minor will usually have to appear in front of a judge or probation officer. In most cases, the minor may have to attend counseling, perform community service work, pay a firm, or enter probation.
If the prosecutor or probation officer chooses to proceed formally, the minor will be formally charged in front of a juvenile court judge. There are instances in which their case can go to adult criminal court, so it is vital to have a St Charles, Missouri juvenile defense lawyer on your side. If the case stays in juvenile court, there are a few things that could occur:
- The minor enters a plea agreement.
- The judge diverts the case so the juvenile will attend a recommended program, such as counseling or community service.
- The judge will hold a trial. Even though in most cases the hearing is in front of only a judge, it is important to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer from St Charles, MO.
If your child has been charged with a juvenile delinquency case, it is important to have dedicated juvenile defense lawyers from St Charles on your side. Being charged with a crime can alter your minor’s life so having someone fight for their rights is vital. Contact the juvenile defense lawyer St Charles, MO trusts, Traffic Ticket Center, to schedule a consultation.