Those under 18 are often charged with the same offenses as adults however, the offenses are referred to as delinquencies, not crimes. In Virginia, juvenile cases are handled by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDR). This court has drastically different procedures, rules, potential sentences, and a distinctly different atmosphere than the adult courts. The goal of Virginia’s juvenile justice system should be rehabilitation rather than punishment.
However, some juvenile offenses can have consequences that follow a child into adulthood. These can include loss of firearms rights and placement in the sex offender registry. A delinquent juvenile may be placed in juvenile detention, on probation, ordered to comply with testing or programs, or all of the above.
The courts do not set out to ruin a young person’s life, but a harsh judgment at an early age can be damaging. That’s why you need the services of The Marquis Law Group, an established and juvenile defense law firm with deep experience in northern Virginia.
Our firm defends young people against the charges most often leveled against their age group:
- Shoplifting and petit larceny
- Underage possession of alcohol
- Gang activities
- Assault and battery
- Sex offenses
- Underage DUI (alcohol or drugs)
- Violation of curfew
- Reckless driving
- Speeding and traffic infractions
- Joyriding and racing
- Drug possession (marijuana and others)
- Vandalism, graffiti and destruction of property
- Trespassing
- Truancy
- School Disciplinary Appeals
It is important to have an experienced juvenile law attorney in a juvenile case. A lawyer unfamiliar with local JDR courts may not know the procedures or juvenile-specific terms. For guidance through the entire process, from the incident to resolutions, you want a lawyer who has empathy for your child and is comfortable in the complex environment of juvenile justice.
Call The Marquis Law Group immediately – the day your son or daughter is ticketed or arrested. Quick action gives our attorneys time to plan a strategy that will lead to a positive outcome. Schedule a consultation now.