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Louisiana Juvenile Offense Lawyer
Call Us | 318-377-1555
Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA
With kids growing up, it’s expected that they’ll have some hiccups on their road to maturity. However, when those growing pains transform into trouble with the law, it’s essential that you secure legal representation. When a child gets in trouble in school the consequences, at most, get him or her expelled from school. Criminal matters, however, have penalties that include being placed in a juvenile detention center and on probation upon release. Depending on the severity of the crime, a juvenile may even be charged as an adult.
The goal when dealing with minors should be to rehabilitate them, but far too often these youths are instead made an example of. No matter if your child is facing his or her first offense or fourth, with the right assistance, they can return to life as normal and maintain a positive future. Don’t overlook the value of having private legal representation.
Eric G. Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is aware of the lasting effects of having a juvenile record and can implement his criminal defense knowledge to mitigate the charges your child is facing.
What Are Common Juvenile Criminal Offenses?
In Louisiana, the law considers anyone under age 18 to be a juvenile.
Law enforcement can legally detain and arrest juveniles engaging in criminally suspicious behavior or caught participating in the commission of a crime. The number of criminal offenses is vast, but juveniles more commonly commit the following crimes:
- Underage drinking
- Assault
- Battery
- Truancy
- Shoplifting
- Drug possession
- Vandalism
Although juvenile offenses are often committed with little to no intent to harm others, they’re still viewed in a serious light by the courts. The best chance your child has at mitigating the charges they face is to obtain a lawyer as soon as possible once they’re charged.
What Are The Differences Between Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court?
Juveniles charged with any crime will be tried in Juvenile Court. This court system is entirely separate from Adult Court and offers community service and diversion programs as alternatives to serving hard time. One of the biggest differences between Adult Court and Juvenile Court is that juveniles do not have the right to a jury. They do, however, have a right to a hearing to determine whether to have their case moved to Adult Court.
The juvenile court also has a different strategy when approaching penalties. In Adult Court, penalties are tangible and include fines and incarceration. In Juvenile Court, penalties lean more toward rehabilitation, counseling, and ongoing supervision.
Just because the role of the juvenile court should be to rehabilitate instead of punishing, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take it seriously. In recent years, juveniles have begun facing more severe penalties in Juvenile Court and have even had their cases moved to Adult Court. The best way to ensure that your child isn’t unfairly prosecuted is through the acquisition of a Louisiana juvenile offense lawyer.
Experienced Juvenile Offense Lawyers
A juvenile conviction shouldn’t be allowed to leave a lasting stain on a child’s criminal record, but it can also present roadblocks on the path to adulthood. Colleges require those who have been charged or convicted of a crime to disclose that kind of information on the application. They can legally use one’s criminal history as a reason to deny them admittance to the university. A juvenile criminal record can also stand in the way of a teenager gaining employment.
Eric G. Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is here to help prevent your child’s youthful mistake from interfering with their ability to become a contributing member to society. Eric can analyze the facts of the case, engage in negotiation with the prosecution to have charges and penalties lessened, and serve as your child’s legal representation throughout the process.
Don’t assume that everything will work itself out if you go it alone. Take action by contacting us today at 318-377-1555 for a free case evaluation.