The first thought that flashes through your head when you hear that your child needs a juvenile law lawyer is probably that they are in trouble with the law. In fact, you will probably be thinking of big trouble.
Fortunately, this is not always the case. Despite the portrayal of the law on many television shows, a juvenile law lawyer can fulfill a variety of roles.
Minor Law
The first thing to be aware of is that a juvenile law lawyer is trained in dealing with cases involving minors. This is a specialized area of the law which requires a detailed knowledge of juvenile criminal regulations and family law. In many cases the two affairs will be entwined; knowledge and experience of these types of cases can be fundamental to the successful outcome of your case.
It is also beneficial for the lawyer to be aware of psychology and how the social system works.
These types of cases are usually very emotive; it can be difficult to work with teenagers; patience and understanding is essential.
There are several reasons why you may need to hire a juvenile law lawyer:
- Criminal Matters
The most obvious scenario is one that a juvenile law lawyer must deal with. Criminal charges can be brought against a minor in an array of different situations. However, the treatment of the case, the defendant and the witnesses is often very different.
Handled correctly it can significantly affect the outcome of the case; in particular the sentence given if the juvenile is found guilty.
This is why it is essential to use a good juvenile law lawyer; they know how to work within the system for you.
- Emancipation
This generally applies to children who are nearly adults according to the law but still under the jurisdiction of their parents or guardians. There are many reasons why a child may no longer feel they should be held accountable by their parents; these are generally complex and emotional issues which is why a specialist juvenile law lawyer is essential.
- General Advice
It can be difficult for a young adult to understand what is permissible and what is not. In many cases the actions of an adolescent are taken without thinking of the consequences; if a crime is subsequently committed this may not have been intended. The law allows for this.
In order to be fully aware of their rights and obligations under the law it can be helpful for someone on the cusp of becoming an adult to speak to a juvenile law lawyer and confirm what is a permissible action.
Locating a Juvenile Law Lawyer
It should be fairly easy to locate a juvenile law lawyer. There will be listings with your local state but the majority of them will advertize locally and have their own website. This is an excellent starting point.
You can then narrow down your search by confirming their reputation, experience and cost. This will ensure you choose the right juvenile law lawyer for your needs.
