In some states, your child may be required by court rules to consult with an attorney. Even if an attorney is not required by law, it is essential to make sure your child gets the help he or she needs at a difficult time. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced juvenile law attorney for straightforward solutions that may help your child.
Juvenile Law Information Center
In today's world, juvenile law matters can be confusing and frightening issues to deal with. With your child's future on the line, you need all the information you can get when dealing with these issues. From my office in Round Rock, Texas I have worked diligently to learn effective strategies for addressing the complicated legal issues relating to juvenile charges. Let me help you help your child. Often there are more things going on with your child than just violating the law. Often times your child may be having problems in school, problems with drugs, or dealing with mental health issues. We look at all of these issues when representing your child in his or her criminal case.
To better serve you, I have provided information on various juvenile law issues below. For further assistance, or to learn how I can be of assistance, please contact my office online or call 512-255-7191 to speak with an experienced juvenile law attorney.
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I, Betsy Figer Lambeth, provide compassionate and knowledgeable assistance to Round Rock area parents whose children have been charged with juvenile crimes. With my assistance, you may be able to limit the damage caused to your child's future, and find effective ways to get your child back on the right path. As a mother myself, I am dedicated to helping you protect your children from these charges.
As a mother of two teenagers, I fully understand the pressures facing both parents and children in today's culture. When your child is charged with a juvenile offense, you need assistance from a caring and educated lawyer who can help you put your family back on the right track. I, Betsy Figer Lambeth, provide dedicated and compassionate juvenile law assistance to parents throughout the Round Rock area in an effort to help limit the damage caused by juvenile charges. With my help, you won't be alone or confused any longer. Contact my office today.
Trial as an Adult
There often is a possibility that a juvenile will be tried as an adult, in adult criminal court, rather than a hearing in juvenile court. The protections of a juvenile court proceeding do not exist in adult court. Court proceedings and records are not confidential, but are open to the public, and the court may impose the same sentence on the juvenile (jail time, fines and probation) that would be imposed on an adult. The full implications of trial as an adult can be more fully explained by an attorney knowledgeable in juvenile defense law.
When May a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult?
Laws in some states require anyone charged with certain crimes, such as homicide, to be tried as an adult, regardless of age. Many states also provide that a juvenile must be tried as an adult if he or she has been previously found guilty of an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult.
Prosecutors are often given the discretion to charge a juvenile in either adult or juvenile court. This discretion is limited to certain types of offenses, committed by juveniles over a certain age. The offenses charged are usually violent, serious or repeat offenses. Some other factors that may be included are nature of the crime, extent of prior record, juvenile's intellect and philological development, and past rehabilitative treatment. Similarly, minor traffic offenses may be charged in either juvenile or adult court.
Judges in virtually every state may waive juvenile court jurisdiction and transfer a case to adult court. This is typically done at the request of the prosecutor, although some states allow a juvenile or his or her parents to request such a waiver. A hearing is usually held to determine if the case is an appropriate one for adult court. The main factor the juvenile court will consider is whether the juvenile can be helped by the juvenile court system. If the court concludes that the resources available within the juvenile court system can rehabilitate the juvenile, the case will stay in juvenile court. A lawyer experienced in juvenile law will know how and when cases are referred to juvenile court.
Consequences of Trial as an Adult
A child tried as an adult will be treated no differently from an adult. Unlike juvenile court, all court proceedings will be open to the public, and the records of the proceedings may be public information. The record of a child's conviction will not be sealed, but will be a public record.
The sentence imposed will also be the same as would be imposed on an adult. Any time of incarceration would be served in an adult correctional facility. The length of time served behind bars would also be the same as for an adult. The time served would not be limited to when the juvenile reaches the age of majority, as in juvenile sentences. The consequences of a child being tried as an adult can be dramatically different from what may happen if a case stayed in juvenile court.
Conclusion
The possibility that a child may be tried as an adult adds a new, worrisome, aspect to any juvenile case. A lawyer who practice extensively in juvenile law can help you navigate and understand the processes involved.
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