Juvenile law deals with crimes committed by children: the maximum age for a juvenile offender varies from state to state, but is usually around seventeen. Governmental bodies prosecute all types of crimes committed by children, from traffic violations to serious felonies like rape and murder. Juvenile offenders have many of the same rights as adults, including the right to remain silent, the right to be represented by an attorney, and the right to cross-examine witnesses against them. They also have some additional rights: for example, most juvenile court records are sealed to the public to preserve the child's privacy.
Keeping young people on the right track and out of the criminal justice system is crucial. If your child has been charged with a crime, you should seek legal counsel at once to preserve his or her future. Contact Mehlman TerBeek LLP today for a free consultation with an experienced juvenile defense attorney.