Freehold Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer

As a parent, it can be shocking and upsetting to learn that your child was detained and may face criminal delinquency charges. If convicted, the consequences could negatively affect your family and your child’s future.

Jason A. Volet is an experienced and dedicated Freehold juvenile crimes defense lawyer serving clients across New Jersey and New York. Volet’s years as a criminal prosecutor and defense attorney give him a perspective from both sides of the law that he can use to find creative and effective solutions for your legal issue.

Let the Law Office of Jason A. Volet advocate for your child and help your family through the juvenile court system. Contact us online or call 24/7 for a free consultation.

What Are Common Juvenile Offenses?

Any adult crime can be a juvenile offense if the accused perpetrator is under 18. If the accused is a minor, the charge is a “delinquent act.” If convicted, the minor becomes an “adjudicated delinquent.”

Common juvenile offenses include:

• Possession or distribution of drugs
• Underage drinking
• Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI)
• Assault/aggravated assault
• Shoplifting
• Robbery and theft
• Burglary
• Vandalism
• Sexual offenses
• Harassment
• Computer crimes

What Happens If My Child Is Charged with a Juvenile Crime in Freehold?

If your child is charged with a juvenile offense in Freehold, NJ, police may or may not detain them depending on the crime. If detained, a hearing will occur in juvenile court at the Monmouth County Courthouse within 24 hours. If not detained, you will receive a notice with a court date ordering you and your child to appear at a hearing.

At the initial hearing, you will receive a copy of the complaint against your child. The court will inform you how the case will proceed and decide if your child will go home with you or stay in a juvenile detention facility until the case is resolved.

Will My Child Have to Go to Court for a Juvenile Crimes Charge?

Not all cases involving the juvenile justice system go to court. According to the New Jersey Courts, there are three ways juvenile cases can get resolved:

• Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) or Intake Services Conference (ISC) – A JCC/ISC is an informal discussion that allows you, your child, and the person who filed the complaint to reach an agreement outside of court. The involved parties will negotiate conditions the juvenile must meet, such as attending counseling and performing community service. Once the child completes the conditions, the court will dismiss the charges. A juvenile court judge must approve the agreement.

• Juvenile referee – A juvenile referee is a trained member of the court staff who can conduct juvenile hearings and make recommendations to a judge. The referee can determine if a child has committed a delinquent act and recommend penalties like curfews and counseling. Referees cannot recommend juvenile detention. The judge will review the recommendation when deciding the case.
• Hearing before a judge – Your child’s case may go before a judge who will decide if they committed a juvenile offense. If found delinquent, the judge will set penalties and conditions for rehabilitation.

Will I Need to Hire a Lawyer to Represent Them?

Juvenile hearings can be “counsel non-mandatory” or “counsel mandatory.” If the hearing is counsel mandatory, your child must have a lawyer to represent them.

Even if your child’s hearing is counsel non-mandatory, enlisting the help of a lawyer may be a good idea. By involving our Freehold juvenile crimes defense attorney immediately, you can get a jump start on building a case that can protect your child’s rights and future.

Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult for Their Crime?

The juvenile justice system can waive cases involving minor defendants 15 or older to adult court. When deciding whether to try a juvenile as an adult, the court will consider:

• The nature of the crime
• The juvenile’s mental capacity
• The juvenile’s age, maturity, moral development, and potential for rehabilitation
• The degree of the juvenile’s culpability
• The juvenile’s prior history
• Mental health concerns
• Drug or alcohol abuse

What Are the Possible Consequences of Juvenile Criminal Offenses?

There are many possible consequences the juvenile court system can impose, including:

• Fines and financial restitution
• Drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• Counseling
• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension
• Confinement in a juvenile detention facility
• Probation supervision
• Deferred (delayed) disposition of a sentence

Will My Child’s Juvenile Crimes Offense Go on a Criminal Record?

Confidentiality can be a big concern for children facing juvenile delinquency charges, as well as for their parents. No one wants an offense committed as a minor to follow them around for life, potentially harming their chances at an education or career.

In most cases, New Jersey keeps the records of adjudicated delinquents sealed, meaning they are not available to the public. However, some state agencies may obtain juvenile court records, including the Department of Human Services or the Department of Children and Families.

Sometimes, juvenile records are available to the public if a minor gets convicted of a crime that would be a serious adult offense. In these situations, an experienced juvenile defense lawyer can apply to keep records confidential and seek to have the charges expunged in the future.

Contact a Freehold Juvenile Crimes Defense Lawyer

At the Law Office of Jason A. Volet, we understand the stress and turmoil a juvenile offense can cause a family. Our Freehold juvenile crimes defense lawyer is here to help if your child is accused of delinquency. Attorney Jason A. Volet can review your case, discuss your legal options, and strive to protect your child’s future and all that’s at stake.

Do not wait to get legal help. Contact us online or call our office 24/7 for a free consultation with a passionate and professional New Jersey criminal defense lawyer near you.