Criminal Defense
Juvenile Offenses
Protecting young people’s futures when one mistake threatens everything.
The juvenile justice system is supposed to focus on rehabilitation, but the consequences of a delinquency finding are very real — affecting school, college admissions, scholarships, and future employment. In serious cases, prosecutors can even seek to charge a minor as an adult.
Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable during police questioning. We move quickly to protect a young client’s rights, keep them in school and out of detention, and steer the case toward diversion and outcomes that can later be sealed.
- Juvenile assault, theft, and drug charges
- Underage drinking and possession
- School-related offenses and threats
- Vandalism and criminal mischief
- Direct-file and transfer-to-adult defense
- Diversion and record sealing eligibility
Detention
Juveniles can be placed in detention or committed to the Division of Youth Services.
School consequences
Charges can trigger expulsion and disciplinary proceedings.
Future opportunities
A record can affect college, military, and job prospects.
Adult prosecution
Serious cases risk being charged in adult court.
We prioritize keeping juvenile clients in the rehabilitative system and out of adult court, and we push for diversion, deferred adjudication, and treatment resolutions that leave no lasting record.
We work closely with families and, where appropriate, with schools and counselors to present a full picture of the child and demonstrate why a rehabilitative outcome serves everyone.
Many juvenile records are eligible for sealing, sometimes automatically. We make sure the case is resolved in a way that preserves that eligibility.
In serious cases, prosecutors can seek direct file or transfer to adult court. We fight aggressively to keep the case in the juvenile system.
Not without a lawyer. Minors can unknowingly waive their rights. We advise families to invoke the right to counsel before any questioning.