If your child has recently been arrested and accused of committing a criminal offense, you may be terrified of the consequences. You know better than anyone that your child simply made a mistake and that their future should not be defined by a single moment in their childhood. It has never been more important to protect your child and keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Turn to a compassionate and highly experienced Delaware County juvenile defense lawyer with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt. A conviction could destroy your child’s future. Take steps to build a compelling defense when you contact a Delaware County criminal defense lawyer at our firm to request a confidential consultation.
Juvenile Crime Rates in Delaware County
Kids will be kids, but when children commit criminal offenses, you can expect the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office to take action. Recent data from 2021 indicates a considerable number of juvenile offenses occurring annually. However, these numbers have rapidly declined over the last couple of years.
In 2019, There were 252 reports involving unruly or runaway juveniles. In 2020, these numbers rapidly declined to 161, which is likely, in part, due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, in 2021, the numbers continued to decline, with only 152 reports of runaway or unruly juveniles.
There were also a considerable number of crimes related to juvenile offenses. For example, in 2021, there were 101 reports of vandalism, 82 breaking and entering/burglary reports, and 135 reported incidents of theft from a vehicle. While most offenses committed by juveniles may be nonviolent, that does not mean they are victimless.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile defense lawyer serving Delaware County, call 614-884-1100
Common Crimes Juveniles Commit
Your juvenile defense lawyer in Delaware County with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt has extensive experience handling most types of juvenile cases. Any child who violates a law that would be considered an offense if it was committed by an adult may be considered a juvenile delinquent under Ohio Revised Code §2152.02. Some of the most common types of crimes our juvenile clients have faced include:
- Drug crimes
- Fighting
- Marijuana possession
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Property crimes
- Sex offenses
- Theft crimes
- Traffic offenses
- Underage operating a vehicle under the influence (UOVI)
- Vandalism
- Violent crimes
If your child has been detained, you may be anxious to secure their release. Contacting a dedicated juvenile defense attorney in Delaware County for help may be the best way to get them out of a juvenile detention facility and start working on their defense. You can find out more about the severity of your child’s charges and potential penalties they may be facing when you contact our legal team to discuss the specific details of your case.
Delaware County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
What to Expect When Your Child Is Arrested
Once your child has been taken into custody, they may be brought to a detention facility. Children can be held in custody for up to six hours, depending on the crime they are accused of committing, according to Ohio Revised Code §2151.31. At this point, they must be released to their parents or guardians or transferred to a detention facility.
From here, an adjudicatory hearing will be set. This is where the judge will determine whether your child has broken the law that would be considered a criminal offense if it had been committed by an adult. The judge will also determine whether your child can remain in your custody or should be sent to a detention center while they await trial.
Your Child Has Rights
Despite being juvenile offenders, children do not have the same constitutional rights and protections that adults do. There will be no jury presiding at your child’s adjudicatory hearing. But that does not mean your child does not have any rights.
Youth offenders have the right to have their case heard by a judge. Kids have the right to an attorney and the right to present evidence and witnesses to defend themselves. After your juvenile defense attorney in Delaware County from our firm has presented your defense at the hearing, the judge will hold another hearing, known as a dispositional hearing, to return a verdict and set an appropriate sentence.
Click to contact our Delaware County Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Consequences of a Juvenile Criminal Conviction
Juvenile offenders do not face the harsh penalties that adult offenders do. However, the consequences could still be life-changing. Potential penalties your child may face if they are found guilty include:
- Community service
- Drivers license suspension
- Psychological treatment
- Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Confinement in a detention facility or permanent custody
- Placement on community control
- Court fines and fees
- Monitoring of drug and alcohol use
- Requirement to obtain a GED or high school diploma
- House arrest or probation requirements
Teen Court Could Offer Rehabilitation
The Delaware County Court of Common Pleas may offer an alternative option for youth offenders. The court diversion program allows individuals charged as offenders to enter the program as long as their charges are non-violent misdemeanor offenses. Your child may be able to learn about the juvenile justice system and will be held accountable for their decisions.
Requirements of teen court programs often include restitution, community service, a formal apology to parents or alleged victims, research papers, and essays on laws and jury-selected topics.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Trust in a Premier Delaware County Juvenile Defense Lawyer
You have protected your child for their entire life. They need you now more than ever before. When your kid has made a mistake and is facing criminal charges as a result of their bad decisions, they should not be subject to the same penalties adults do.
If you hope to help your child avoid a criminal record that will haunt them for the rest of their lives, it is crucial to secure an acquittal. In some cases, it may make more sense to work with the prosecutor to get your child’s case heard in teen court. Explore your defense options further when you contact a knowledgeable Delaware County juvenile defense attorney with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt to request a confidential consultation today by phone or through our quick contact form.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
