When a juvenile is charged with a crime in Northern Kentucky, it can be incredibly scary and complicated for them and their entire family. The criminal justice system for juveniles is intended to focus on rehabilitation over punishment, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect the defendant’s life in negative ways.
If you’re a juvenile facing charges in Northern Kentucky or you have a child facing charges, you need to speak with a lawyer right away. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Northern Kentucky juvenile crimes lawyer at (513) 333-0014.
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Why Choose Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Juvenile Crimes?
When a juvenile is facing criminal charges in Northern Kentucky, there’s no doubt that the stakes are high. Parents and their child deserve attorneys who aren’t just experienced with criminal defense, but who also know how the juvenile system really operates.
What makes us different is the perspective we offer and our results.
- We have a former police officer and former prosecutor on our legal team, which means we have the inside scoop on how the other side is building their case.
- Our lawyers have been recognized by organizations like The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, showing that we are respected in our field.
Having more than 100 years of combined courtroom experience by your side means you have the help you need when you’re facing charges in Northern Kentucky. Reach out to Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers as soon as possible. The sooner you talk to a Northern Kentucky juvenile crimes attorney, the better.
Overview of Juvenile Crimes in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the law separates offenses based on whether it would be a crime for an adult or if it’s just a crime because the defendant is a minor.
Status Offenses
Some acts are only unlawful because of the child’s age. These are known as status offenses and include skipping school (truancy), running away from home, refusing reasonable control of a parent or guardian, or underage possession of alcohol or tobacco.
Public Offenses
These include actions that would be charged as crimes if committed by an adult, such as theft, drug possession, violence, or other misdemeanor and felony violations. Public offenses can bring more serious consequences, since they involve behavior also deemed unlawful for adults.
Rights to a Detention Hearing
For status offenses, a confidential detention hearing usually must happen within 24 hours (not counting weekends or holidays). For public offenses, the timeline is extended to 48 hours.
At this hearing, the judge considers certain factors to decide whether the child can be released or should remain detained while the case continues. These usually include the seriousness of the offense, the child’s prior history, and the child’s overall behavior.
What Are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Northern Kentucky?
When a juvenile defendant is adjudicated delinquent (the term for being found guilty), there are a number of possible penalties they can face:
- Detention in a Juvenile Facility: For certain offenses, confinement in a secure juvenile detention center is possible.
- Commitment to DJJ or Approved Agency: In more serious cases, a juvenile may be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) or placed in the care of a specialized child-caring agency that provides structure and rehabilitation.
- Probation: Many juveniles are placed on probation, supervised by probation officers or DJJ. The child must meet court-ordered conditions, such as curfews, school attendance, counseling, or community service.
- Restitution: If the crime involved some sort of theft or vandalism, the court can require the juvenile and their family to pay restitution to the victim.
The goal of each of these penalties is to hold the minor accountable while giving them a chance to grow and move forward even though they have made a mistake.
Being Charged as an Adult
Sometimes, cases are moved to adult court even though the person charged with the crime is under 18.
The county attorney can request a discretionary transfer, where the judge looks at factors like how serious the crime was, the child’s past record, their maturity, public safety risks, and whether rehabilitation seems possible.
An automatic transfer must occur if the child is at least 15, there is probable cause, and the charge is for a felony offense involving a firearm. This decision significantly increases penalties.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Juvenile Crimes?
Juvenile charges can be frightening for both the child and their family, but there are defenses that may protect their future.
Here are some that may apply:
Lack of Evidence
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, they simply don’t have enough evidence to prove you or your child committed a crime.
Mistaken Identity
Juvenile cases often happen in chaotic situations. If a young person was wrongly identified as the offender, the juvenile and their lawyer can show that someone else committed the crime or provide an alibi, proving the minor couldn’t possibly have committed it.
Self-Defense
If the minor caused harm to someone but only did so because they were facing a threat of harm themselves, they can raise self-defense to argue that they shouldn’t be punished.
False Accusations
Sometimes there are disputes between teens in or out of school. This could lead to false allegations out of anger or revenge, even though you’re innocent. Demonstrating ulterior motives or inconsistencies can protect the accused.
These are some of the defenses that can be used, but the exact defense will depend on what the actual charge is.
At our firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to face charges as a juvenile. We also know that the entire family is affected, and we want to do everything we can to make this process as stress-free as possible for everyone involved. We have significant experience handling these cases, and we’re ready to do the same for you and your family.
Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Northern Kentucky juvenile crimes attorney.
