Juvenile Crimes

Butler Juvenile Crime Attorney

When one of your children is arrested for a crime, it can be an incredibly distressing experience. A range of emotions like anger, embarrassment, shock, and even depression may overwhelm you. In the midst of such turmoil, the uncertainty of what to do next only adds to your worries. This is where the assistance of an experienced Butler PA DUI attorney becomes crucial.

Juvenile crimes, or “juvenile delinquency,” involve offenses committed by individuals below 18 years of age, commonly referred to as minors. If similar offenses are committed by adults, they are considered criminal acts.

Adult Court Versus Juvenile Court

Adult court and juvenile court differ significantly in how they handle cases in Pennsylvania. Juvenile courts operate independently and have distinct objectives. While adult courts focus primarily on punishing offenders, juvenile courts aim to rehabilitate the youth who enter their systems.

This approach is rooted in giving young individuals the opportunity to develop into productive, law-abiding citizens. Recognizing that young people have extensive lives ahead of them, the juvenile court system strives to help them navigate their future safely and successfully.

One notable distinction between adult courts and juvenile courts lies in the language used. In adult court, individuals are found guilty of “crimes,” while in juvenile court, these offenses are referred to as “juvenile acts,” except in cases involving severe violence. What is known as a “trial” in adult court is called an “adjudication hearing” in juvenile court. When it comes to this crucial hearing, it is advisable to enlist the services of a skilled Butler PA criminal lawyer to represent your child’s interests.

Due to the perception of minors as children, they receive greater protections within the legal system compared to adults. One such safeguard is the sealing of their juvenile court records, ensuring inaccessibility to entities outside the juvenile system. Furthermore, juvenile courts abstain from imposing jail time on minors, further shielding them from potential harm.

While minors benefit from these protective measures, they do not possess the same rights as adults in the legal realm. For instance, minors are not entitled to a jury trial and are not guaranteed the right to have bond set for them.

The Juvenile Justice System

When a juvenile is arrested, they enter the Juvenile Justice System. Unlike adults, they are not immediately incarcerated, unless they pose a flight risk, endanger the public, or lack a guardian or parent to take custody of them.

Juvenile crimes, known as “delinquent acts,” are filed similarly to adult charges. Following an arrest, the minor undergoes a preliminary hearing within 72 hours to determine their release. If evidence supports their detainment, their case proceeds to a formal adjudication hearing, comparable to a criminal trial for adults.

Although this hearing lacks a jury, the minor has the right to a Butler PA criminal attorney to represent them, alongside the district attorney and judge. In severe cases, such as violent crimes or summary offenses, the minor may be tried in a regular adult court.

Juvenile Punishments

At the adjudication hearing, the focus is not on finding the minor guilty or not guilty, but rather determining whether they engaged in juvenile acts. If held responsible, the judge can select from a range of “disposition orders” to sentence the juvenile.

While probation is a common outcome, the possibility of placement in a juvenile detention facility or child welfare facility also exists. Furthermore, minors may be required to pay restitution to crime victims, compensating them for property damage or personal injury. Additionally, they might face fines or fees imposed by the court and/or community.

The Juvenile Justice System is dedicated to providing appropriate consequences and rehabilitation for young offenders, offering them a pathway to a better future.