Trenton Juvenile Defense Lawyer

If your child has been accused of a crime in Trenton, New Jersey, you need an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side. As a parent, it’s terrifying to think about your child going through the criminal justice system. But with the right lawyer, you can protect your child’s rights and future. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about juvenile defense in Trenton.

An Overview of Juvenile Court

In New Jersey, anyone under 18 who is charged with a crime will go through juvenile court. Juvenile court is a lot different than adult criminal court. The focus is more on rehabilitation than punishment. Judges have a lot of discretion on how to handle each case. They can issue warnings, order counseling or community service, or if needed, send the juvenile to a detention facility.

Juvenile records are usually sealed as well. This means they won’t show up on background checks for jobs or college applications. The goal is to give kids a second chance without having a criminal record follow them forever. But you have to navigate the system carefully to take advantage of these protections. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer knows how to advocate for the best outcome.

Common Juvenile Crimes in Trenton

Some of the most common juvenile offenses we see in Trenton include:

• Shoplifting – This is usually a first offense, often done as a dumb teenage mistake. A good lawyer can usually get shoplifting charges dismissed or downgraded.
• Drug possession – Marijuana and prescription drugs are prevalent. A drug conviction can impact federal financial aid for college.
• Assault – School fights are unfortunately very common these days. An assault charge can be avoided if it was clearly self-defense.
• Weapons charges – New Jersey has strict laws on carrying knives, pepper spray, BB guns etc. There are ways to defend against weapons charges though.
• Property crimes – Vandalism, trespassing, petty theft. These are often mistakes kids make without thinking of the consequences.
• Sexting – Sharing inappropriate photos of minors is illegal, even if it’s consensual. This can lead to sex offender status which severely limits a child’s future.

The key is having an lawyer who understands these juvenile offenses and can build an effective defense. The right approach can often get charges reduced or dismissed.

Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Navigating the juvenile justice system is complex. Prosecutors know most families don’t have a lawyer so they will pressure kids to admit to offenses without fully explaining the consequences. Here’s why you need to hire a lawyer immediately if your child is charged:

• Prevent self-incrimination – Kids often don’t understand their Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. They may admit to crimes without realizing it can be used against them. A lawyer ensures they don’t jeopardize their own case.
• Negotiate with the prosecution – Prosecutors have huge incentives to get plea deals and avoid jury trials. An experienced lawyer levels the playing field and gets better outcomes.
• Advocate for diversion programs – Lawyers know how to present mitigating circumstances and push for counseling or community service over jail time.
• Explain the consequences – A criminal record can severely limit a child’s future. A lawyer makes sure the family understands what’s at stake.
• Defend against serious charges – Charges like assault, drug dealing, or sex offenses need an aggressive defense. The stakes are high so you need someone fighting hard for your child.

Bottom line – you should never let your kid go through juvenile court alone. An experienced lawyer can make all the difference between a dismissed case versus a criminal record that follows them for life.

Finding the Right Juvenile Lawyer in Trenton

So how do you find the best juvenile defense lawyer in Trenton, NJ? Here are a few tips:

• Look for a lawyer who specializes in juvenile law – You want someone who focuses specifically on defending kids and teens. A lawyer who takes a wide variety of cases likely won’t have the right expertise.
• Ask about experience handling your child’s specific charges – You need a lawyer who regularly deals with offenses like shoplifting, drugs, assault etc. Ask how many similar cases they’ve defended in Trenton’s juvenile court.
• Make sure they have trial experience – Even if you’re hoping to avoid trial, you want a lawyer who has litigation experience and won’t hesitate to take a case to trial if needed. Some lawyers always advise taking plea deals and will be ineffective in court.
• Consider reviews and referrals – Check online reviews and ask for referrals from past clients. A good juvenile lawyer will have glowing reviews from grateful parents.
• Meet for a free consultation – Make sure your child feels comfortable talking to the lawyer before hiring them. Personality and trust are crucial.
• Ask about legal fees – Rates can vary greatly so ask what to expect for retainer fees and overall costs. But legal fees should not drive the decision – in juvenile court the stakes are too high to worry about bargaining hunting.

What to Expect at Your First Court Appearance

If your child has been arrested and charged, their first court appearance will be an initial hearing within a few weeks. Here’s what you can expect:

• They’ll be formally read their charges and told their rights. The judge will ask if they have a lawyer. Say yes and provide the lawyer’s name.
• The prosecutor may offer a plea deal already. Your lawyer can ask for time to review the evidence first. Do not let your child take a deal without discussing with a lawyer.
• The judge decides whether to release your child or detain them until trial. Your lawyer will argue for release and least restrictive conditions like dropping curfew.
• Trial dates are set. Juvenile court trials usually happen within 1-2 months. Your lawyer begins preparing your defense strategy.
• If released, conditions like drug testing, house arrest, or a curfew could be imposed. Your lawyer can file motions to get conditions dropped or modified.

Having an lawyer present ensures your child’s rights are protected from day one. Don’t let them face the prosecutor alone.

Fighting Back Against Serious Juvenile Charges

While petty offenses often result in probation or community service, serious felony charges require an aggressive defense. Crimes like assault, drug dealing, weapons possession, or sex offenses can alter a child’s future forever:

• Violent crimes like assault may be charged as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th degree in New Jersey depending on circumstances. Only a skilled lawyer can argue for a downgraded charge.
• Drug distribution charges come with mandatory minimum sentences. But a good lawyer knows how to challenge the evidence and argue against your teen being tried as a dealer.
• Weapons charges also have mandatory sentencing. But there may be exceptions, like if a pocket knife was for a job and not used unlawfully.
• Sex offenses require registry on the sex offender list which severely restricts housing, education, and employment. But many sex crimes can be challenged, like consensual sexting between teens.

An aggressive defense lawyer will know how to attack the prosecution’s evidence, raise doubt, advocate for diversion programs, and negotiate for reduced charges. While the stakes are high, an acquittal or downgraded charges are possible with the right legal strategy. Don’t let your child plead guilty until exploring all defenses.

Common Defenses in Juvenile Cases

There are a variety of defenses that an experienced lawyer may use to get charges against your child dropped or reduced:

• Lack of intent – Crimes like theft or vandalism require proving the child knowingly intended to commit the act. If intent can’t be proven, the charges can be dismissed.
• Self-defense – If your child was protecting themselves from a physical attack, assault charges can often be defeated on grounds of self-defense.
• False accusations – Many juvenile charges result from disputes with parents, teachers or peers. Your lawyer can investigate if allegations are exaggerated or outright false.
• Illegal search – If evidence like drugs were found through an unlawful search by school or police, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress the evidence.
• Mistaken identity – Sometimes the wrong person is accused of a crime. An investigation can uncover proof your child wasn’t involved.
• Entrapment – This applies when police coerce a child into committing a crime they wouldn’t otherwise do. A skilled lawyer can get charges dismissed.
• Intoxication – Committing a crime under the influence may allow charges to be reduced or dropped if intoxication impaired judgment.
• Psychiatric issues – Mental health crises that contribute to unlawful behavior may warrant counseling over jail time.

A good lawyer will aggressively pursue any viable defense to weaken or defeat the prosecution’s case. Don’t assume your child has no defenses without exploring all options.

The Benefits of Juvenile Diversion Programs

For many first-time and non-violent offenses, diversion programs offer an alternative to traditional sentencing. Your lawyer will advocate for these programs which benefit your child:

• Counseling – Court-ordered counseling addresses underlying issues like addiction, anger problems, or trauma without jail time.
• Community service – Giving back teaches responsibility. The hours serve as restitution without the stigma of probation.
• Restorative justice – Facing victims and making amends helps rehabilitate. Judges may order apologies, restitution, or community impact statements.
• Drug rehab – For substance abuse issues, rehab and counseling is more beneficial than incarceration.
• Dropped charges – Completing a diversion program usually results in charges being dismissed. This avoids a permanent criminal record.
• Sealed records – Even if adjudicated delinquent, juvenile records are sealed after turning 18 and meeting conditions.

Diversion should be the first option explored for juvenile offenders. An experienced lawyer knows how to present compelling reasons for these rehabilitative programs versus traditional sentencing.

Finding the Right Lawyer Can Change Everything

Facing criminal charges as a juvenile is scary for kids and parents alike. But having the right lawyer by your side can make a huge difference. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer protects your child’s rights, humanizes them to the judge, and fights for the best possible outcome whether that means dismissed charges, reduced charges, or diversion programs.

Don’t let your son or daughter go through the Trenton juvenile justice system alone. The consequences follow them for life. Do your research to find the best juvenile defense lawyer for your needs. Meet for a free consultation. Ask about their experience and track record of success. Read reviews from past clients. Take your time choosing the right lawyer. It may be one of the most important decisions you ever make as a parent.