Juvenile cases involving felonies are complex and require expert legal representation. If you receive the dreaded phone call that your child has been arrested or charged with a felony crime, you may think a conviction or even juvenile detention is inevitable. Every parent wants the best opportunities for their child. Unfortunately, certain circumstances can disrupt your child’s life and possibly impact their future negatively. One such circumstance is if your child is accused of committing a felony. Juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and there are many ways to defend against a delinquency finding. Even if a judge rules that your child committed a felony, there are many options that focus on rehabilitation instead of detention.

In Illinois, juvenile cases involve any offense committed by a minor, defined as an individual 16 years of age or younger. In federal juvenile cases, a juvenile is considered any individual under the age of 17. Some juvenile offenses can be prosecuted as adult crimes with adult penalties. Juvenile crimes can range from underage drinking to drug-related offenses or theft crimes. Common examples include criminal trespass, drug possession, DUI, illegal consumption by a minor, possession of a fake ID, theft/burglary, traffic offenses, school fights, assault, battery, and weapon offenses. While these acts may seem like irresponsible decisions by teenagers, authorities treat violations of the law by juveniles as criminal offenses. Police officers often arrest juveniles, and prosecutors pursue charges and potentially harsh sentences against young offenders, emphasizing the serious nature of juvenile cases.

A juvenile case can cause extreme stress for a family and can also result in negative repercussions for the minor. If your child or loved one has been charged with a juvenile offense, the potential consequences dictate that you retain the legal services of a criminal defense attorney immediately. A criminal defense attorney can negotiate with judges and prosecutors to have a minor’s charges dismissed or reduced. They can also help the minor receive mental treatment, counseling, or probation, as opposed to a jail sentence. If you choose to retain the services of our criminal defense attorneys at Martin & Kent, L.L.C., we will do everything possible to show that your child is not a criminal but simply a youth who used poor judgment.

Juvenile cases can be handled quite differently than other criminal cases, so you should seek help from a law firm that regularly represents juveniles. If your child is being treated as a juvenile, we know how to fight to keep your child’s record clean and avoid detention or other harsh punishments whenever possible. We aggressively negotiate to have prosecutors dismiss the charges against your child as early as possible in the case. Scott Kent Law also fights for alternatives to delinquency and sentencing, including good behavior programs, community service, jail visits, and probation. We know how to show that your child made an error in judgment and deserves rehabilitation instead of being treated like a hardened criminal.

Some juveniles are charged as adults even though they are minors. This is common when a juvenile is accused of certain serious felonies, including aggravated battery, sexual assault, or homicide. This means your child’s case will be handled by the Illinois or federal criminal courts instead of the juvenile justice system. If your child is convicted as an adult, they may be sentenced to imprisonment in an adult facility. It is essential to have the help of a highly skilled criminal defense attorney in this situation to protect your child’s safety and future. Whether your child is accused of a minor offense in juvenile court or a serious crime in adult court, our defense team can help you.

When you need to secure tried-and-true legal services, you can count on our team at Scott Kent Law, L.L.C. to deliver. We have 42 years of combined criminal law experience and have handled over 10,000 cases. For more information about how we can help you and your family, contact our DuPage County criminal defense office for a free consultation today at (630) 474-8000!