Juvenile Defense Attorney

Being charged with a criminal offense is intimidating enough. But when the defendant is your child, that can bring on a whole new set of worries. How will this affect my child’s or teenager’s future? Are there any alternatives to the traditional consequences? If your child has been charged as a juvenile, the decisions you make now may affect the rest of their lives.

Don’t let your child’s mistakes turn into a lifetime of consequences. Call the juvenile defense attorneys at PGHLAW. Criminal charges against your child don’t have to be the end of the world. Our criminal defense attorneys have years of experience defending men, women and juveniles from a range of felony and misdemeanor charges. We know what awaits your child on the other side of conviction, as well as what moves to make now to defend against that outcome.

Aggressive Defense Against Juvenile Crimes

Underage Drinking

Underage convictions of possession, intoxication or DUIs can quickly interrupt your child’s life plans. Our juvenile defense attorneys will work by your side to determine the best course of action. 

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Sexting

Sexting charges can be quite serious, and hold the potential to haunt your child for a lifetime. Trust your case to the experts and let the elite juvenile defense team at PGHLAW help you maintain your child’s freedom and future. Learn More

Cyberbullying

Your children may not realize the negative effects their online actions can carry. If your child has been accused of cyberbullying, assault or harassment online, let us help you keep this incident from becoming a defining blemish of their life. Learn More

An Overview of Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System

Proceedings for Juvenile Delinquency

In Pennsylvania, a delinquent child is any minor 10 years or older whom the court has adjudicated guilty of a delinquent act and is therefore in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. The laws governing the juvenile criminal process are in Pa Code Title 237.

Juvenile proceedings in Pennsylvania typically begin when a law enforcement officer or district attorney files a court petition. Once the petition is filed, an adjudicatory hearing will be held by a judge to determine whether there is enough evidence indicating that the juvenile did indeed commit the alleged offense.

If the judge determines your child is guilty, he or she will sentence your child to some form of treatment, supervision, rehabilitation, or confinement. This decision can be appealed within 30 days of the disposition. The appeal must be filed with the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

Juvenile Conviction Consequences in Pennsylvania

Your child could be facing severe repercussions if he or she is convicted of a criminal offense or violates the requirements of a juvenile diversion program. In addition to the following statutory punishments set forth by the judge, your child may also have reduced educational and occupational opportunities due to his or her criminal record.

Typical penalties ordered by the court may include one or more of the following:

• Prison time – if charged as adult
• Time in a Philadelphia juvenile detention center
• House arrest
• Curfew
• Probation
• Fines
• Community service
• Counseling
• Substance abuse programs
• Temporary or permanent revocation of driving privileges or driver’s license

Protect Your Child’s Rights

When you’re facing legal issues you can’t afford to make the wrong decision in choosing a lawyer. Contact us today for your free no obligation evaluation.