Metairie Juvenile Crimes Attorney

Helping Minor Clients Protect Their Futures

Children don’t yet have the brain development and life experience to fully understand right from wrong or the consequences of their actions. But that doesn’t keep them from being charged with criminal offenses in the juvenile court system. While the goal for juvenile offenders is always rehabilitation, there can still be serious penalties if your child is convicted, including incarceration in a juvenile detention center.

Whether your child had a lapse in judgment or they’ve been falsely accused, they need legal representation. A criminal defense attorney who has experience with the juvenile court system can help you understand what’s happening, evaluate your options, and guide you through the process. That’s exactly what The Bradley Law Firm does. Call the Metairie office to schedule your free consultation today.

What Are the Most Common Juvenile Offenses?

While some things have changed quite a bit since parents were teenagers — such as the introduction of smartphones and social media — many things remain the same. And this includes the kinds of trouble children and teenagers are most likely to get in. Some of the most common crimes juveniles are arrested for in Jefferson Parish and the rest of Louisiana include:

• Drug crimes: Juveniles are often charged with possession of controlled substances or possession of drug paraphernalia
• Assault or battery: Teenagers often get into fights or may use threatening statements that can result in criminal charges
• Theft: Retail theft is a common juvenile crime, as teenagers may attempt to steal items, such as clothing, electronics, or candy
• Underage drinking: While many people drink before the legal age of 21, this is technically a crime. Minors who are in possession of alcohol or who purchase alcohol with a fake ID can face criminal charges and serious penalties

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and sometimes, the charges in juvenile court go beyond the usual teenage rebellion. Juveniles can also be charged with serious crimes, such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. Any time your child is facing criminal charges, your first call should be to The Bradley Law Firm.

How Does the Juvenile Court Process Work?

The juvenile court process differs from the adult criminal courts in a few ways. The first is that the main focus is on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Juvenile offenders often have more options when it comes to alternative sentencing, such as taking part in substance abuse treatment programs, counseling, or community services. The juvenile court system also operates under a slightly different legal procedure, as children do not necessarily have the capacity for the intent that many crimes require at the adult level.

Instead of being “arrested,” juveniles are either “detained” or “taken into custody.” While it’s really semantics, it is important to understand the specific terms used in the juvenile system. The next step is a detention hearing, which is where the judge will review the preliminary evidence. If there is reasonable belief that the juvenile did commit the crime, the judge can either grant bond or keep the juvenile in custody. A hearing will be scheduled, and an attorney will enter the juvenile equivalent of a plea of guilty or not guilty for their client. If it’s the latter, the case will proceed to trial.

One big difference between the juvenile courts and the adult courts is that minors do not have the right to a jury trial. Instead, a judge hears the evidence and testimony and makes the final decision, including sentencing. This can be helpful in some ways because you only have to convince one person that there is reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s argument. Juvenile court judges also have extensive knowledge and experience in adjudicating these matters and can ensure that the proper procedures are followed.

However, it can also make these cases more challenging. It’s important to have an attorney who has experience with these types of trials and is prepared to counter the prosecution’s argument and persuade the judge of the client’s innocence or that there should be leniency in sentencing due to special circumstances.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Sealed?

Most juvenile criminal records can be either expunged or sealed in Louisiana. This is important information to know because it can ensure that youthful mistakes don’t follow your child into adulthood. If the case did not actually result in adjudication — meaning the defendant didn’t plead guilty and the judge didn’t decide that the child committed the crime — it’s automatically eligible for expungement.

In some cases, you have to wait until the case is closed or dismissed for a charge to be eligible for expungement. And some more serious crimes, such as murder, kidnapping, or armed robbery, have a waiting period of at least 5 years after the case is closed and the caveat that there must be no further indictments in adult court.

If you or your child has a juvenile criminal record that you want to have expunged or sealed, a juvenile law attorney can help.

When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult Under Louisiana Criminal Law?

In general, Louisiana law makes a distinction between children and adults when charging crimes, and for good reason. Children don’t yet have a fully developed understanding of cause and effect or impulse control. However, there are some crimes that can result in a juvenile being charged as an adult and facing much harsher penalties.

Louisiana classifies juveniles for legal purposes as between the ages of 10 and 17. Any person who is 17 or older can be charged and tried as an adult for criminal offenses. Those under that age are generally charged as juveniles. However, there are three felony charges that can result in juveniles over the age of 15 being charged as adults. Those include murder, kidnapping, and rape.

Juvenile law lawyers understand the nuances of the criminal justice system and can help you prepare for how your child is likely to be charged and what the potential penalties may be.

If you need a Metairie criminal defense lawyer that has experience with the juvenile court system, call The Bradley Law Firm at 504-336-1717. We offer prospective clients the opportunity for a free consultation where you can discuss your case and hear how our attorney can help.