Juvenile Defense Lawyers in Jacksonville Defending Your Child Against Criminal Charges

No parent wants to see their son or daughter accused of a crime. Whether your child made a mistake or fell in with the wrong crowd, being charged with a crime, even as a juvenile, can have serious consequences. Fortunately, by hiring a juvenile criminal attorney, you can do what’s best for your child and get them the help they deserve.
At Weldon Law Group, PLLC, we believe that a minor shouldn’t have their life put on hold for one simple mistake. Our experienced lawyers can defend your child against a delinquency charge and get their life back on track. For a free case evaluation and to learn more about our services, call 904-204-3420 today.

What Kind of Charges Do Children Typically Face?

In general, minors can be charged with the same crimes as adults. However, there are some common charges that juveniles face often.
Our team can help with charges like:

• Underage DUI or DWI
• Drug charges (including possession)
• Vandalism and property damage
• Assault and battery
• Theft or burglary
• Sexual assault

And more. Even if you don’t see your child’s charge listed above, we encourage you to call our legal team to see how we can assist you. Our lawyers are experienced in all kinds of juvenile criminal cases, so we know exactly how to handle your situation.

What Are Common Punishments in Juvenile Cases?

The juvenile criminal justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Because of this, punishments in a juvenile case are typically less severe than in an adult criminal trial. An underage offender will often get a punishment like community service, drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, or probation. Our lawyers will work with school administrators, parents and guardians, and counselors to find the right solution for your child.
However, juvenile crimes can still come with severe consequences. Depending on the severity and nature of the crime, more serious punishments may be put into effect. For any violent crime or homicide, a juvenile offender could face a lengthy prison sentence in a juvenile detention facility. However, life in prison is usually not an option for convicted minors.
Even in juvenile crime cases, there are occasions when an overeager plaintiff will attempt to institute harsh penalties or try a child as an adult. In that case, having a juvenile crime lawyer on your side is imperative. Our experienced defense lawyers will work hard to defend your child in court and protect them from unreasonable penalties they may be facing.

How Does Juvenile Court Differ from the Adult Criminal Justice System?

The adult criminal justice system is often focused on public safety and community protection. When facing criminal charges, an adult criminal defense attorney will typically defend their client in hopes of shortening a prison sentence or reducing the fines and penalties they must pay. Often, there are no options for rehabilitation or a minimal chance of probation.
On the other hand, a juvenile criminal case is usually geared toward rehabilitating the offender. There will often be more sentencing options and lighter sentences in the hopes that the offender can turn things around and continue the path toward becoming a law-abiding citizen. Courts are typically much more willing to work with school administrators, counselors, and parents to find a legal solution that doesn’t disrupt the minor’s life entirely than they would be with an adult offender.

How Can a Juvenile Defense Attorney Help Me?

When your child has been accused of a crime, it’s a very stressful time as a parent. Learning how best to defend them against juvenile criminal charges isn’t a job you should do on your own. Hiring a juvenile criminal lawyer is the best way to advocate for your child and get them the help they need during this challenging chapter of their life.
Please don’t feel like you must go through this trying time alone. At Weldon Law Group, PLLC, our team is dedicated to providing you and your child with the best legal strategy there is so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your family. Give us a call today at 904-204-3420 to learn more about how we can help you.