Juvenile Crimes
Burlington and Camden County Juvenile Lawyer
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juvenile crime is defined as any crime committed by a person less than eighteen years of age. If your child is arrested for a crime, it’s important to understand the consequences:
- If your child is adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent, the crime will remain on his or her criminal record and may result in higher penalties for any convictions as an adult.
- Children who are sixteen or seventeen years old may be placed in the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission until their twenty-first birthday.
- If your child is tried in adult court, all the adult penalties will apply except for capital punishment. Your child could be subject to life imprisonment.
Often, the first twenty-four hours following your child’s arrest is the most critical period of time in your child’s case. To protect your child’s future, it is essential that you have competent legal representation. Early involvement can prevent your child from unknowingly providing incriminating statements and evidence to police.
On July 29, 2008, the New Jersey Supreme Court, in the case titled State in the Interest of P.M.P., held that following the filing of a juvenile petition (complaint) and the issuance of an arrest warrant, a juvenile defendant may not waive his right to remain silent and give a statement in the absence of counsel. Before your child talks to police or anyone else, contact juvenile defense lawyer Steven A. Traub for a free initial consultation. You can contact Steven A. Traub twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by calling 856- 874-8130.
Experienced Juvenile Lawyer
Steven A. Traub is experienced in defending juveniles charged with serious crimes such as:
- Drug crimes
- Sex crimes such as date rape
- Robbery
- Auto theft
- Receiving stolen property
- Possession of Weapons
- Aggravated Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Shoplifting
Your Child’s Best Interests
The juvenile justice system in New Jersey works differently than the adult criminal justice system. Under most circumstances in juvenile cases, the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. In cases involving juveniles, the court is supposed to consider the best interests of the juvenile. Unlike an adult trial where guilt or innocence is determined by a jury, juvenile matters are heard by a family law judge, or by a non-judge called a juvenile referee.