When a juvenile is charged with a crime, everyone involved, including the family of the child, is affected. Parents often have a lot of questions about juvenile cases, how to proceed and how involved they should be in the case. One of the biggest questions parents ask is how a juvenile case differs from an adult case. Although laws concerning juvenile cases vary from state to state, there are generally a few things that every juvenile case has in common.
The Goal of a Juvenile Case is Different from an Adult Case
In an adult case, the goal is most commonly to hand out a consequence or punishment for the crime if the person being charged is found guilty. This is compared to adolescent cases, which strive to not only prove guilt or innocence but also focus on providing training or rehabilitation to the juvenile involved. Because of this, it isn’t uncommon for the sentence of a juvenile offender to include inpatient treatment, community service, or rehab instead of or in addition to time in a juvenile detention center.
Parents are Heavily Involved in a Juvenile Case
Because of their age, the parents or guardians of a juvenile are required to be heavily involved in the case. This could include attending court hearings and assisting in the execution of the sentence by monitoring the juvenile during that time.
As a parent, we are sure you want to make sure your child is given a fair trial that will help them move forward with their life in a productive and healthy manner. By hiring an experienced juvenile defense lawyer, you will get the help you need to make sure your child’s rights are protected in court. To learn more about hiring the Law Offices of Lindsay Soto to represent your child, click here or call 503-315-7344.
