Few events can cause parents great concern more than a call from local authorities that their child has been arrested. While children can often find new and creative ways to cause trouble for themselves or others, these situations should always be handled with great care and prudent advice from legal professionals. When your child finds themselves in trouble with law enforcement, you want the best possible solution to protect their future.
Koffel Brininger Nesbitt is an award-winning law firm that has been representing clients throughout the greater Columbus metropolitan area for more than three decades. If your child finds themselves in conflict with law enforcement, your Fairfield County juvenile defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against your child and what options you may have. Contact a top-rated Fairfield County criminal defense lawyer at our firm today for a free case evaluation to give your child the best possible chance to address their issues in a constructive and rehabilitative manner.
Protecting Your Child’s Record and Future
Every parent wants the best possible opportunities for their children as they grow into the adults they will become. One of the most detrimental effects a child can experience is to have criminal blemishes on their permanent record. Our criminal defense team at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will work tirelessly to protect your child’s future by working with police, investigators, or the courts to prevent lasting damage to your child’s record.
Convictions for juvenile offenders are not automatically removed from their record via expunction when they turn 18, according to Ohio Revised Code §2151.358. Building a powerful defense against any criminal charges your child faces can be their best opportunity to avoid the stigma that comes with a criminal conviction. We can help your child avoid permanent difficulties through potential diversion programs rather than the traditional punishments that adults would face.
College entry, loan applications, and housing availability can all be affected by a conviction on your child’s record. While some offenses can result in sanctions against your child until they are 21 years of age, we can contest the evidence against them to avoid conviction altogether. We will do everything possible to safeguard your child’s future.
For a free legal consultation with a juvenile defense lawyer serving Fairfield County, call 614-884-1100
Offenses that Juveniles Typically Find Themselves Facing
There is usually a significant difference between young people getting into minor trouble and behavior that results in criminal charges. While some children engage in harmless pranks, they can quickly become out of control and lead to havoc of all kinds. Many of our juvenile offenders have faced charges such as:
- Underage drinking
- Underage DUI/OUI
- Assault
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Gross sexual imposition
- Sexual assault
- Domestic abuse
- Shoplifting
- Traffic offenses
The cases brought against juveniles can range from minor offenses to serious criminal acts. Your juvenile defense attorney in Fairfield County can help you understand the charges against your child, what penalties they could be facing, and what opportunities there may be for outcomes that do not result in damage to their permanent record. We can then formulate the best strategy to help them recover from the charges and move forward in a positive direction.
Fairfield County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
The Differences Between Misdemeanor and Felony Charges for Juveniles
The charges your child could be facing can vary between three main categories. These accusations can include delinquent acts or unruly behavior, misdemeanor and felony offenses. While misdemeanor and felony charges can be applied to adults and juveniles alike, delinquent acts and unruly behavior can only be applied to minors.
Unruly Behavior and Delinquent Acts
These charges do not necessarily rise to the level of what could be considered criminal activity. Delinquency occurs when kids ignore ordinances or statutes. Also referred to as status offenses, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Protection (OJJDP), these issues include truancy, violations of curfew, underage consumption of alcohol, and running away.
Misdemeanor Offenses
While usually considered minor offenses, misdemeanor charges can lead to serious implications for your child’s future. Based on the severity of the offense, common examples could include theft or shoplifting, simple assault, vandalism, serious traffic violations, and inappropriate sexual conduct. Your Fairfield County juvenile defense lawyer can analyze the case against your child and discuss the possible outcomes with you.
Felony Offenses
As with adults, juveniles facing accusations of felony charges are the most serious. Usually only resulting from other persons being harmed or significant property loss or damage, juvenile felony offenses can destroy your child’s future prospects if not adjudicated in their favor. If your child is facing felony accusations, your Fairfield County juvenile defense lawyer will do everything possible to prevent a conviction or perhaps have the charges reduced to misdemeanor levels.
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How Ohio Prefers to Handle Juvenile Offenders
Adult criminal offenders usually face harsh punishments for their crimes because we as a society expect them to know and act better due to their age. However, children and teens are still learning about themselves and the world, and certain offenses can be addressed in a more positive manner. To this end, the state of Ohio prefers to have juvenile offenders diverted to rehabilitation programs rather than just simply locking them up.
The Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) aims to provide positive alternatives to juvenile offenders rather than sending them to juvenile detention facilities. By offering juveniles the opportunity to avoid physical detention, the JDAI provides rehabilitation options for kids who meet certain criteria. Your Fairfield County juvenile defense attorney with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt will review the accusations against your child to determine if these diversion programs could be applied.
Other options beyond the JDAI could include your child being adjudicated to your care with certain stipulations. Ohio offers many options for juveniles to avoid detention. From behavioral health programs, community service options, and youth employment opportunities, your child could find themselves with a better chance at life rather than being lost in the system.
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Connect with Your Dedicated Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Fairfield County
Every parent wants to give their children every advantage they can to help their kids build the life they want. When faced with accusations of criminal activity, you want to shield your child from the consequences of their actions. That may not always be possible when their behavior becomes difficult to manage.
With decades of combined experience in the Ohio judicial system, Koffel Brininger Nesbitt knows how to offer your child the best options they can hope for. Our award-winning legal firm has defended our clients against nearly every type of criminal charge. Contact our office now for a free consultation by calling or completing our secure contact form to get your child the help they need as soon as today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
