Juvenile Attorneys in the Borough of Mountainside
Current statistics seem to indicate that juvenile crime is on the decline, which is great news for New Jersey and throughout the country. However, it is a tragedy that some young people still get dragged down into the spiral of drug and theft crimes through peer pressure, lack of family support, or depression. What also seems to be true is that once a person, particularly a young person, gets involved in the criminal justice system, it becomes increasingly difficult to get out. If you, or your son or daughter; grandson or granddaughter; niece or nephew have been charged with a crime as a juvenile in Mountainside, make sure that the first thing you do is hire an experienced juvenile defense attorney. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall employ a staff of top-notch criminal attorneys who specialize in juvenile offenses. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall attorneys understand the special procedures involving juveniles and are prepared to aggressively defend a juvenile to specifically make sure that the juvenile does not suffer a lifetime of difficulty because of a youthful indiscretion. Our juvenile criminal attorneys are ready to help you day or night. Call 908-272-1700 for a free initial consultation.
Protecting Your Child’s Future in the Juvenile Justice System
In New Jersey, criminal offenses committed by young people under the age of 18 are tried in Juvenile Court, not Adult Criminal Court, except in limited circumstances involving very serious crimes.
Juvenile Court is separate from Adult Criminal Court. The reason there is a separate juvenile system is because Juvenile Court at the Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth places a great deal of emphasis on rehabilitation, rather than punishment. Studies show that young people are more easily able to change criminal tendencies and respond favorably to rehabilitation programs compared to adult criminal offenders. Indeed, psychologists and judges throughout the country recognize that young people are more impulsive, and are less able to appreciate the long-term consequences of their behavior, than adults. Accordingly, Juvenile Courts operate under different rules than Criminal Court, and provide more rehabilitative services to juvenile offenders.
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall has attorneys prepared to represent juvenile offenders who have committed offenses such as:
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Simple Assault
- Trespassing
- Criminal Mischief
- Sexual Offenses
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Disorderly Conduct
- Possession of Prescription Drugs
- Drug Distribution
- Underage Drinking
Detention vs. Adult Prison. If a determination is made that a juvenile offender must be incarcerated for a period time, then the young person goes to what is called a Juvenile Detention Center, not an Adult Prison. These Centers attempt to focus on activities, classes, programs, and exercises focused on rehabilitation. By law, a juvenile cannot be detained in a detention center beyond their 18th birthday.
Waiving a Juvenile up to Adult Criminal Court. It is possible that when a juvenile is charged with a very serious offense (rape, murder, etc.), the prosecutor might ask the judge to move, or “waive up,” the case to Adult Criminal Court. Our seasoned attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the wherewithal to do what it takes to zealously challenge such a request, keep the case in Juvenile Court, and protect against the most serious consequences against the juvenile.
Mountainside Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
When a young person commits an offense, a lot of negative consequences can result. Those consequences can have a lasting ripple effect on that young person’s life and future prospects. That is why it is vital to get an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on the case as soon as possible. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will do everything necessary to minimize the penalties associated with an offense. Call the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall today at 908-272-1700. The initial consultation is absolutely free. Lawyers are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
