Somerset County Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Finding yourself or your child in legal trouble can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. As a juvenile, the court system can seem cold and intimidating. That’s why having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side is so important. In Somerset County, there are a number of skilled juvenile defense attorneys who can help guide you through the complex legal process and advocate for your best interests.

Common Juvenile Charges in Somerset County

Some of the most frequent juvenile offenses prosecuted in Somerset County include:

• Drug crimes – This includes charges like marijuana possession, intent to distribute controlled substances, and prescription drug violations. New Jersey has decriminalized marijuana use for those 21 and older. However, juvenile marijuana possession is still illegal and can result in fines, probation or even detention.
• Alcohol offenses – Underage drinking, using a fake ID, open container violations, and DUI are common alcohol-related charges for juveniles. DUI is especially serious, as it can lead to driver’s license suspension, fines, and incarceration even on first offenses.
• Theft crimes – Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, and car theft are the most prevalent theft charges against juveniles in Somerset County. Depending on the circumstances, some of these can be charged as felonies carrying hefty penalties.
• Assault offenses – Juveniles often face assault charges stemming from school fights, neighbor disputes, dating violence, or other altercations. Aggravated assault involving a weapon or injury can lead to incarceration even on first offenses.
• Weapons violations – It’s illegal in New Jersey for juveniles to possess firearms and other prohibited weapons like brass knuckles, switchblades, and stun guns. These charges can have severe consequences.
• Sex crimes – Sadly, sex offenses like statutory rape, child pornography, and indecent exposure occur among juveniles as well. Defense lawyers can often get these sensitive cases dismissed, reduced, or handled through diversion programs.
• Traffic violations – Speeding, reckless driving, leaving the scene, and license/registration offenses are common traffic citations issued to juveniles. Suspended licenses and points on a juvenile’s record can raise insurance rates.

This is just a sampling of some of the charges juveniles face in Somerset County. An experienced defense lawyer can carefully examine the evidence and identify the best defense strategies for any type of juvenile offense.

How New Jersey’s Juvenile Justice System Works

New Jersey has a separate court system and laws that deal exclusively with juveniles under age 18 accused of crimes. Here’s a basic overview of how juvenile cases are handled:

• Intake – After arrest, juveniles go through intake where probation officers gather background information and make recommendations about charging and detention decisions. Defense lawyers can advocate for charges to be dropped or reduced at intake.
• Detention – Juveniles accused of serious violent felonies may be held in juvenile detention facilities during the case. Defense attorneys can petition for alternative arrangements like house arrest or pretrial release.
• Adjudication – This is the equivalent of a trial in adult court. An adjudication hearing is held in family court where evidence is presented. Juveniles have the right to counsel and the right against self-incrimination.
• Disposition – If found guilty, the juvenile goes through a disposition hearing where the judge orders penalties like probation, restitution, community service, counseling or detention. Defense lawyers argue for the least restrictive punishments.
• Confidentiality – Juvenile records are kept confidential and hearings are closed to the public. This prevents youths from having permanent public criminal records that hurt future education and job prospects.
• Transfers – Teens aged 14-15 charged with serious violent crimes may be transferred to adult court where they’d face harsher penalties. Defense attorneys work to block transfers and keep cases in juvenile court.

Having a lawyer who understands this complicated process is absolutely vital for juveniles facing criminal charges. The right defense attorney knows how to navigate each step to achieve the most positive outcome given the circumstances.

Why Juvenile Defense Lawyers Are So Important

Facing criminal prosecution as a juvenile is an overwhelming experience. Kids often don’t fully understand the charges against them or the devastating long-term consequences a conviction can have. That’s why having an adept juvenile defense lawyer is so crucial.

Here are some of the key benefits a skilled juvenile attorney provides:

• Protect rights – Juveniles have legal rights and protections that lawyers ensure aren’t violated during arrest, questioning, searches, and the court process. They defend against self-incrimination and other rights violations.
• Challenge evidence – Lawyers rigorously scrutinize the prosecutor’s evidence through motions and hearings. They act swiftly to have illegally obtained evidence thrown out of court.
• Raise defenses – Viable defenses like self-defense, false identification, alibi and diminished mental capacity can lead to dismissals or acquittals. Lawyers know how to craft the strongest defense case.
• Negotiate plea bargains – Many juvenile cases get resolved through plea agreements for reduced charges and lighter sentences. Skilled lawyers negotiate from a position of strength for the best pleas.
• Advocate for diversion – Diversion programs like teen court, community service, counseling and restitution allow juveniles to avoid convictions. Lawyers argue persuasively for these alternative resolutions.
• Navigate the system – From intake through disposition, lawyers guide juveniles and families through the confusing legal process and complex court system.
• Mitigate penalties – Even when found guilty, lawyers advocate for the least restrictive sentences focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This avoids damaging juvenile records.
• Counsel clients – Lawyers provide emotional support and advice directly to juvenile clients, explaining the process, setting expectations, and answering all questions.

Without legal guidance, juveniles can make poor choices that worsen their situation. Somerset County lawyers like Maggie Davis, Bobby Jensen and Janine Torres level the playing field and give kids the powerful advocacy they need.