If you or your child is under the age of 18 and has been arrested, then they may need to face juvenile court. This can be a very daunting time for both the parents and the accused. However, it may be easier to face if you know what you can expect.
What Can I Expect?
First of all, most juvenile arrests are handled through a juvenile court system. This is similar to the Minnesota court system; however, instead of just focusing on punishment, juvenile courts will focus on rehabilitation rather than just simply punishing the criminal. What this means is that you may not be facing jail time. You may instead be facing rehabilitative measures such as:
- Community service – you may need to complete a certain amount of community service. This might include garbage duty, janitorial work at community centers and various other community projects.
- House arrest – house arrest usually entails having a monitored device around your ankle that will track where you are. If you go outside your boundaries (usually your home), then an alarm will sound notifying the police or your probation officer.
- Therapy or counseling, such as anger management – this may be offered if you are facing assault or disorderly conduct charges.
- Restitution to the victim – if you have caused damage to someone’s property or stolen money from someone, you may have to pay them back.
- Driver’s education – you may be issued with driver’s education courses if you have committed a traffic violation such as speeding, reckless driving or underage drinking and driving. You will also most likely lose your license.
- Fines – in some instances, you pay be asked to pay a fine. However, this is not always the case as often a fine will impact the parents rather than the child.
- Detention Facility care – in some instances, instead of going to prison, you may need to spend some time in a detention facility. The purpose of these facilities is to rehabilitate the criminal so that this behavior does not continue into his adult life.
Under the Age of 10 and Arrested?
For those under the age of 10 who have been caught committing a crime, your case will be handled though CHIPS – the Child in Need of Protection Services. This is a special branch of juvenile law dedicated to ensuring the child is safe. Often CHIPS cases will assess the parents as well as the child who has been arrested.
How to Handle a Juvenile Arrest
It is best to resume life as normally as possible if you have been accused of a juvenile crime. This most likely means attending school and avoiding the subject. Friends may be interested to know what has happened but keep in mind that this is no one’s business but your own. Furthermore, keep in mind that you are innocent until proven guilty.
Minneapolis Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you love is facing a juvenile conviction, make sure you get the legal help you need to walk away from this conviction. Contact Anoka criminal lawyer Michael Brandt at 763-421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.