Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile Delinquency
Children by nature are impetuous, their brains are not fully developed until the child is well into their 20s. Because of this, Attorney Darren Meade has made it a personal mission to represent juveniles who have been charged with a crime.
The juvenile justice system in Ohio is different than the adult criminal justice system. Understanding these differences, and knowing how to work within them, can make all the difference in defending your child against juvenile delinquency charges.
When a child is charged with a crime
When a child is charged with a crime, the case is started in and proceeds through the juvenile courts. In addition to the right to legal counsel in juvenile court proceedings, these cases often have their own statutory provisions that expand upon that right.
However, there are certain crimes that may result in a minor being charged as an adult, most commonly when the charges brought against the child would be considered a felony for an adult. The determination for this is called a bind-over, and if your child has been scheduled to have their case heard to determine if they are eligible to be tried as an adult, it is very important that you have the best defense possible. An adult conviction is not sealed when the child turns 18 and depending on the charges the child could be facing life in prison.
Our firm has experience with the following juvenile offenses:
- Drug Crimes
- Possession of Alcohol (Minor In Possession)
- Marijuana Possession
- Sex Offenses
- Theft crimes
- Traffic offenses
- Underage Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (UOVI)
- Unruly Child
- Vandalism
- Violent Crimes
A child’s future literally hangs in the balance
