It’s not only big people that get into trouble with the law; sometimes our kids break the law and can get charged. Charges can vary from a petty misdemeanor up to a felony. When the police are investigating a crime involving a juvenile, there is a common misperception that a parent must be present when a child is interrogated. That’s not the case. The police can talk to a juvenile without the parent being present or without the parent’s permission.
Charges against juveniles are typically initiated by an officer writing a citation (similar to a traffic ticket) or the officer sending police reports to the county attorney where they can be charged through what is called a delinquency petition. The rules are different in juvenile court compared to adult court, and there are very strict timelines.
Contrary to popular belief, juvenile records do not “go away” when the child turns 18. Additionally, if a juvenile is charged with a felony and they are over the age of 16, those records are public records and can be accessed by anyone. All juvenile cases can show up on some background checks and can be accessed if a child commits another crime in the future, whether as a juvenile or an adult.
Having a child charged with a crime can be very unnerving, confusing, and frightening. If your child is facing charges in juvenile court, you need an attorney that is experienced in handling juvenile matters. The team at Brandt Kettwick Defense has secured dismissals, acquittals, and greatly reduced charges in every type of juvenile case.