If your child has committed a crime and has been charged in Weld, Logan or Morgan County, there are a few things you need to understand. First, don’t panic; juvenile offenders are treated much better than adults in our legal system. There is hope for your child’s future. Second, no matter the seriousness of the offense, it is vital for your child’s future that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect their future.
Juvenile Offenders Receive Better Treatment
Children who commit crimes are considered juvenile offenders (anyone under the age of 18). If the District Attorney proves they are guilty, the child won’t be convicted. Instead, he or she will be adjudicated. This means your child won’t be labeled a “criminal,” but will be considered a “juvenile delinquent.” There are many benefits to this distinction. One of these benefits is that your child won’t be punished as severely as if he had been an adult. Another benefit is that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) doesn’t usually publish juvenile arrests and adjudications as they do with adult crimes. With most crimes, future background checks won’t prove harmful to your child’s ability to get a job.
Why You Need an Experienced Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Just because children are treated better in our justice system doesn’t mean you don’t have to fight charges against them. If the offense your child committed is serious, such as Murder or Sexual Assault on a Child, they can be charged as an adult through a process called Direct Filing (if your child was at least 16 years old when the crime was committed. This law was changed in 2012). If your child is charged as an adult, they could still end up going to prison and serving an adult sentence after they turn 18. This process is not used often, and is reserved for crimes the government feels deserves more punishment. Regardless of the situation and the crime, it is important to understand the importance of working with an experienced juvenile defense attorney who can fight for the best outcome in court. Don’t put your child’s life in the hands of a lawyer who practices many different kinds of law, or an overloaded public defender. Contact one of our lawyers who have experience fighting for the futures of juvenile clients.
If your child has been charged with a criminal offense in Greeley, Fort Lupton or Windsor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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