Criminal and Delinquency Actions
Criminal and Delinquency Actions
In Ohio, juvenile delinquency cases typically involve allegations against a minor that would be classified as criminal events if committed by someone over 18 years of age. In fact, the more serious offenses can lead to the child being prosecuted as an adult.
Typical criminal charges that juveniles face are things such as underage drinking, fighting in school, and disorderly conduct. More serious juvenile charges can involve drunk driving, drug possession, theft/burglary/robbery, assault and other violent crimes, property crimes, traffic violations, and sex crimes.
As you might imagine, any of those charges or convictions can have a major impact on the life of a young person and his or her family. If a juvenile is found guilty of certain crimes, they can face suspension or expulsion from school. In some instances, they might never be able to return to a traditional school again. If a juvenile is determined to be delinquent, the Court can prevent that person from obtaining a driver’s license or take the driver’s license that the juvenile already has. A juvenile’s activities and freedoms can be greatly restricted by the Court. In some instances, they can be evicted from public housing, and depending on the charge, a Juvenile Court Judge can order a juvenile to be sent to “prison” through the Ohio Department of Youth Services from a few days up to many months. The potential ramifications are profound.
Ohio juvenile law is a highly specialized area of criminal defense. Juveniles who are facing criminal charges are prosecuted in the Juvenile Court of their local county. Juveniles can be charged with essentially any crime for which an adult may be charged. In extreme cases, the State can transfer or attempt to transfer a child out of the juvenile system to be tried as an adult. As a parent of a juvenile who may be charged or investigated for some crime, don’t be deluded into thinking that your child’s situation will go smoother just because you cooperate in the investigation. In fact, the child should not speak with the police without legal representation. As soon as you find out about any potential legal situation with your juvenile, it is crucial that you contact a knowledgeable and experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney.
We understand how difficult it can be for children and their parents once children enter the Juvenile Court system. At Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues, our criminal defense attorneys have many years of experience successfully and aggressively defending juveniles. We take special care to explain to our clients and their families all of the child’s rights, their options, and our strategies for dealing with the stress and complications that the juvenile delinquency process may bring.
If you are a parent and your child has been charged with breaking the law, time is of the essence! Call our office at (937) 293-2141 and schedule a “no cost” appointment with one of our criminal defense attorneys today. Or, if you would prefer, you can use our form below to contact us online. In addition, we have an emergency phone number, (937) 760-4357, which we answer around-the-clock. We can discuss and analyze the case and aggressively protect your child’s legal rights.
