It's essential to understand that any criminal charge against a person of any age requires immediate criminal defense. States like California no longer let offenses "slide" simply because the defendant is younger than 18 years of age. Further, even children as young as six or seven can end up entangled in the juvenile justice system, and this is something you want to avoid at all costs when possible.
Next, it is important to look at the nature of the charges your child is facing. If the charges involve assault, battery or weapons or violence of any kind, your juvenile will likely be treated harshly and may even be charged as an adult. If the charges center on petty theft, less serious misdemeanor charges may apply.
As you can see, a vast array of activities and behaviors could land your youth in hot water. Taking a serious approach to all charges is essential for parents. This will give the child the best legal protection possible, and it educates them about what could happen if they continue to behave inappropriately or criminally.
Finding the right criminal defense attorney is also critical in youth criminal cases. Your child will gain the most benefit from working with a lawyer who is familiar with juvenile justice. The experience and skill such an attorney brings to the table are invaluable. Lawyers with this experience know how to negotiate with courts. They can work to get serious juvenile charges reduced, and in some cases, even dropped altogether.
Now is the time to start molding your children into the good citizens the nation needs. Teaching them right from wrong and insisting they pay for their mistakes will yield a generation of leaders with the street smarts and the education to help America thrive.
Source: FindLaw, "Juvenile Justice: Background," accessed May 17, 2018