Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Princeton, NJ

New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyers Help Clients Fight Juvenile Offense Charges in Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Middlesex County, NJ

The long-term consequences to a minor who is convicted of a crime can be overwhelming and, in many cases, difficult to predict. If your child has been accused of a crime in Hamilton, East Windsor, Trenton, South Brunswick, or anywhere else in New Jersey, hiring an experienced juvenile defense attorney is a vital component to ensuring the best possible outcome for his or her future. Once your child has been convicted of a crime, statistics show that the cycle of arrest and incarceration can be difficult to break—but not impossible. Conviction can create far-reaching problems when your child applies for college or enters into certain professional fields far in the future. An experienced Princeton juvenile crimes attorney can help you explore potential options to avoid prosecution and potential incarceration and look toward rehabilitation as a way to build a better future for your child.

At The Scardella Law Firm LLC in Hamilton, New Jersey, we put in the time and work necessary to get to know all of our clients on a personal level in order to understand where they come from, as well as their goals for the future. This level of personal attention helps us to tenaciously defend our clients, both in and out of the courtroom. We go to great lengths to negotiate with the prosecution behind the scenes in order to avoid the time, expense, and potential trauma of the trial experience. If a trial does become necessary, however, weare always ready and willing to present the strongest possible defense in your child’s case.

The Scardella Law Firm LLC Has Experience You Can Count on in a Trenton Juvenile Crime Case

Our success both in and out of the courtroom has been recognized at both the state and national levels, as well as by our clients themselves. We are available to handle juvenile cases throughout the state of New Jersey, including in Hamilton, Robbinsville, and Hopewell, NJ. Contact our office today at 609-587-1144 to find out how we can put our decades of experience and skill as criminal defense attorneys to work for your son or daughter.

Juvenile Crimes in Mercer County, New Jersey

In New Jersey, crimes committed by minors under the age of 18 are referred to as acts of juvenile delinquency. Individuals who are 18 and older will be prosecuted as adults. We handle all types of juvenile delinquency cases, including those involving:

• Drug possession
• Underage drinking
• Underage DWI
• Possession of a fake ID
• Theft
• Burglary
• Assault
• Trespassing
• Shoplifting
• Property crimes
• Disorderly conduct
• Disorderly persons offenses
• Providing alcohol to minors

The New Jersey juvenile justice system is geared toward providing rehabilitation options for juvenile offenders, but an experienced criminal defense attorney may be necessary to argue that rehabilitation is, in fact, the right choice. Assuming rehabilitation can be used to break the cycle of arrest and conviction, a juvenile’s criminal record can remain sealed—meaning that his or her future prospects will not be impacted by a mistake committed as a minor. We always fight to expunge any criminal charges or convictions from a juvenile client’s record to further protect his or her interests.

Rehabilitation can mean many things in New Jersey, including:

• Counseling.
• Probation, whether formal or informal.
• Educational programs.

The child’s age and background will be considered in determining the best program for the particular individual. We will explore and evaluate all options to argue for the best possible solution in your child’s juvenile crime case.

The Scardella Law Firm LLC Understands the New Jersey Juvenile Court System

As a former legal intern with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Lauren E. Scardella understands how the juvenile criminal justice system works in New Jersey. Juveniles under the age of 18 are generally tried by a juvenile judge in the New Jersey Family Court in the county in which they live. In very minor cases, the juvenile case may be referred to the Juvenile Conference Committee, which is comprised of volunteer citizens that a Family Court judge appoints. Typically, the parents of the juvenile will receive notice from the Superior Court that outlines the charges, the court process, and any other information that is relevant to the case.

For individuals who are 18 and older, cases will be tried either in the New Jersey criminal courts or the local municipal courts, depending upon the type of criminal offense alleged. In extremely severe cases, such as murder or aggravated assault, the courts may choose to treat a juvenile as an adult.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced New Jersey Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Princeton, NJ

Juvenile criminal cases tend to proceed quickly, making it important to contact an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney as soon as you receive notice of the arrest or charge. At The Scardella Law Firm LLC in Hamilton, NJ, we offer a free consultation, flexible appointments, and credit card payment options, and we always respond promptly to emails and phone calls. In our office, protecting your child’s rights and future becomes a priority. Contact us today at 609-587-1144 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, or fill out this online form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Crime Charges in New Jersey

How does a juvenile case differ from an adult case?

Besides being tried in a different forum, the penalties in a New Jersey juvenile case are generally much more focused on rehabilitating the child and, as such, can be less harsh. A juvenile is not entitled to a jury trial, but judges and law enforcement officers have significantly more discretion in determining the appropriate punishment for the crime, considering all relevant factors. Juveniles have the right to an attorney, but, unlike in adult cases, they are actually required to have legal counsel present during any formal legal proceeding.

When can a juvenile’s record be expunged?

While the child remains a juvenile, his or her criminal records are simply sealed, meaning that they cannot be accessed outside the court system. Once the child is no longer a minor, however, he or she can petition to have the record expunged—or cleared—upon meeting certain requirements. For example, drug testing may be required for a period of time in order to get the juvenile criminal record expungement.