Juvenile Crimes
PRACTICE AREAS
Manassas Juvenile Defense Attorney
Experienced Juvenile Attorney for Minors Facing Criminal Charges in Northern Virginia
As a parent, you always want the best for your children, but as you know, kids do make mistakes. Unfortunately, sometimes those mistakes can land them in hot water. If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges in Virginia, securing an experienced Manassas juvenile defense attorney can help ensure your child’s future and legal rights are fought for and protected.
At the Manassas Law Group, we have a proven track record of helping clients in Prince William County and the surrounding Northern Virginia areas, including juveniles, who have been charged with a crime. Our attorneys understand the urgency of resolving juvenile cases as quickly and sensitively as possible while pursuing every possible strategy to achieve the best outcome.
As a long-trusted criminal defense law firm in Manassas, VA, we provide compassionate and comprehensive legal representation, ensuring that both you and your child receive the support needed during this difficult time. Call (703) 361-8246 or reach out online to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at MLG today.
What Happens When a Juvenile is Charged With a Crime in Virginia?
When a juvenile is charged with a crime in Virginia, they still face legal repercussions, but the justice process differs from the adult criminal law system in a number of ways. For one, a juvenile offender is typically treated with the goal of rehabilitation rather than severe punishment. This is due to the belief that young people can grow, change, and learn from their mistakes.
When determining sentencing, juvenile courts consider the age, life circumstances, and best interests of the child and their family. If the case leads to a conviction, the juvenile may face a variety of penalties, including probation, community service, mandatory counseling, or placement in a juvenile detention center. In severe cases, the juvenile may even be tried as an adult, meaning harsher penalties and harsher environments.
Virginia Juvenile Laws
Individuals under the age of 18 who commit criminal acts can be charged and convicted of a crime under juvenile law in Virginia. The juvenile justice system addresses juvenile offenses with a focus on rehabilitation and support rather than punishment. These rehabilitative measures may include counseling, probation, community service, and educational programs to help juvenile offenders.
Additionally, Virginia law allows for the sealing and expungement of juvenile records under certain conditions, ensuring that past offenses do not unduly impact a juvenile’s entire future.
Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court
Virginia’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court plays a crucial role in handling cases involving juvenile offenders. Unlike the adult court system, the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court is designed to consider the unique circumstances and needs of minors, aiming to provide guidance and support rather than imposing harsh penalties. The court handles various matters, including criminal offenses, family disputes, and child custody and welfare cases, ensuring that minors receive the appropriate interventions. In some cases, juveniles aged 14 and older may be transferred to adult court, where they face much stricter legal consequences.
Potential Consequences for Juvenile Offenders
A juvenile conviction in Virginia can have serious consequences that impact both juvenile offender and their families. Criminal penalties may include probation, mandatory counseling, community service, or placement in the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center.
Of course, juveniles tried as adults face much harsher penalties, including lengthy prison time in a state penitentiary. An arrest and subsequent conviction can also create a permanent record, affecting future opportunities for education, employment, and military service.
Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center
If a juvenile offender is sentenced to detention in Manassas or the nearby areas, they will be sent to the Prince William County Juvenile Detention Center. Located in Manassas, VA, this facility provides secure and structured environments for juvenile offenders and offers programs aimed at addressing behavioral issues and promoting positive development.
Juveniles in the detention center have access to counseling, educational services, and various recreational activities designed to support their growth and reintegration into society. The center works closely with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to ensure that each juvenile’s needs are met and that they receive the appropriate interventions to prevent future criminal offenses.
How a Virginia Juvenile Criminal Attorney Can Help
Don’t assume that if your child is convicted of even a minor offense, the conviction will be expunged once he or she turns 18. Any adverse ruling against your child can have consequences that last long after their 18th birthday.
When facing juvenile charges, the stakes can be high, not only for your child but also for yourself. When juveniles are convicted of crimes, whether its a violent crime or drug charges, it can come back to haunt them later in life when they apply for jobs or even to college. As parents, you may also be liable for higher insurance premiums if your child is convicted of a traffic offense or underage DUI in Virginia.
For many charges, Virginia courts will be open to allowing minors to go through a diversion program if the child appears to be low-risk. An experienced Virginia juvenile defense attorney can help juvenile clients and their families determine when this is the best option and when the best strategy is to fully fight charges in court.
Contact Us
We are happy to offer a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your child’s case, so give us a call to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at MLG today. Call 703-361-8246
Why Choose the Manassas Law Group for Help With Juvenile Criminal Charges?
At the Manassas Law Group, our criminal attorneys have extensive experience handling juvenile law cases and are committed to providing aggressive legal representation for every case we take on. Our team understands the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in juvenile cases, and we also know that the outcome of these cases can significantly impact your child’s future. That’s why we work hard to mitigate the potential repercussions as much as possible, providing a strong defense and protecting their rights throughout the process.
Our dedicated attorneys represent clients from their initial arrest or incident all the way through to the conclusion of their case. We use our extensive experience and resources to explore all possible defenses and mitigating factors, aiming for outcomes that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. Rest assured, our Manassas, VA juvenile criminal defense lawyers can provide the support and advocacy you need to achieve the best possible results for your child.
Common Cases Our Juvenile Defense Lawyers Handle
Our firm represents minors charged with a wide range of juvenile offenses in Virginia, including but not limited to the following cases:
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism, graffiti, and property damage
- Assault and battery
- Petty and grand larceny
- Drug offenses
- Underage possession, consumption, and purchase of alcohol
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Joyriding or unauthorized use of a vehicle
- Sex crimes
- Trespassing
- Burglary
- Breaking and entering
- Disorderly conduct
- Theft and larceny
- Cyberbullying and online harassment
- Gang involvement
- Truancy
Contact an Experienced Manassas Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney at MLG Today
If your child is facing juvenile charges in Prince William County or the nearby Northern Virginia area, don’t leave their future to chance. Our attorneys at the Manassas Law Group are here to help defend your child’s rights and protect their future.
With decades of combined legal experience under our belts, our Prince William County criminal defense lawyers are ready to provide strong, compassionate legal representation tailored to your child’s unique situation. We understand the many challenges that come with a juvenile offense in Virginia and are 100% dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome for your child’s criminal case.
Contact an experienced attorney at our Manassas, VA law office today to ensure your child receives the support and advocacy they need to move forward and put this time of their life behind them. To get in touch, simply call (703) 361-8246 or fill out our online intake form to request your free consultation.
