Juvenile Crime Offense Attorney | Cranberry Twp,PA Wexford, PA Criminal Defense Attorney

JUVENILE OFFENSES

If your child has been charged with an offense under the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, you may have a variety of questions about the juvenile court process and how this will impact your child’s future. Fortunately, the attorneys at Myers Law Group have significant experience working within the juvenile justice system, which, in many ways, is substantially different than how the courts deal with adult charges within the criminal justice system. Our attorneys have not only represented a significant number of juveniles who face delinquency charges, but have worked within the juvenile justice system themselves as both juvenile probation officer(s), as well as juvenile hearing officer(s). This provides our attorneys a unique prospective into how those on the other side of the isle evaluate and resolve juvenile cases.

The first and foremost concern of many parents is how these allegations may affect their child’s future, such as during the application process for admission to college, as well as how future employers and the military may view a child who has been accused of or been adjudicated of delinquency allegations. At Myers Law Group, we understand the immense effort and dedication it takes to raise a child, as well as the importance of avoiding blemishes on your child’s background that may impact their chances of success in the future.

The attorneys at Myers Law Group are knowledgeable of the various avenues available within the juvenile justice system that will allow for resolution of a juvenile case in a way that will minimize the impact upon your child’s future goals and endeavors. The first step in navigating these options is to understand the nomenclature utilized within the juvenile justice system. First, unlike in criminal court involving adults, criminal offenses and charges are referred to as “allegations.” This avoids the stigma surrounding the connotation that comes with being charged with a “criminal offense.” Second, while criminal court culminates in a trial and, if convicted, results in a criminal conviction, in juvenile court, the equivalent of a trial is referred to as an “adjudicatory hearing” and, if the Commonwealth meets their burden, the juvenile is said to be found “delinquent,” as opposed to being found “guilty.” These, and other juvenile court rules, seek to focus on the therapeutic nature of the juvenile justice system as opposed to the punitive nature of the criminal justice system involving adults.

Despite the difference in nomenclature used in the juvenile justice system, there are still very real consequences surrounding an adjudication of delinquency when it comes to both misdemeanor and felony level delinquency allegations. For instance, an adjudication of delinquency can remain on a child’s background for up to five years until they are eligible for the expungement of their records. Additionally, a felony adjudication can result in the juvenile being restricted from possessing a firearm unless and until said adjudication is expunged. This is of significant concern for the many families in Western Pennsylvania who participate in target shooting and hunting. Further, if your child is of high school age at the time of adjudication, this may affect their chances of gaining entrance into college, employment or the military.

If your child is accused of committing a delinquent offense, it is highly recommended that you seek a law firm with the experience, know-how and expertise to minimize the lasting impact a juvenile record may have on your child’s future and your family. The attorneys at Myers Law Group are well-equipped to provide the counsel and representation you need to avoid the potential pitfalls an adjudication of delinquency can have. Call us today to set up a consultation at 724-778-8800 .