NJ ATLANTIC COUNTY JUVENILE DEFENSE LAWYERS
Defend Your Child Against Criminal Offenses in Atlantic County: What Parents Need to Know
As parents, our topmost priority is safeguarding our children’s future. However, what happens when your child faces criminal charges or gets arrested? Such situations can be scary and frustrating, leaving parents with lots of questions about their child’s prospects.
If your child is facing accusations of drug possession, sexual assault, burglary, robbery, CDS distribution, or other related offenses in Pleasantville, Hamilton Township, Galloway Township, Egg Harbor Township, Mays Landing or anywhere else in Atlantic County New Jersey. It is crucial to hire the criminal defense attorney to defend your child against the charges. The Law Offices of Todd Spodek comprises former prosecutors and a Juvenile Division Director at the Prosecutor’s Office who have a combined experience of over 150 years in successfully defending juvenile criminal offenses. Our attorneys are available around the clock to discuss and review your child’s case thoroughly for the desired result.
The State of New Jersey provides mandatory representation for minors throughout all criminal justice proceedings. As a concerned parent with some inquiries regarding juvenile cases’ procedures in Atlantic County Family Court; we’ve outlined some good-to-know information below:
What Every Parent Should Know About Their Childrens’ Criminal Offenses
Where Will The Juvenile Case Be Heard?
Juvenile cases will be heard in family court as opposed to adult criminal cases that are heard outside family courts. In Atlantic County Superior Court -Family Division- is where you will take your child to settle their charges since judges who preside over such cases decide based on facts presented before them.
Is Hiring An Attorney Mandatory?
Yes! Working on behalf of your child requires an attorney’s involvement regardless of how small the case may seem so long as it pertains to juvenile cases.
Will My Child Have a Criminal Record?
No, all juvenile cases’ proceedings are confidential and recorded outside public channels. Even when a child is convicted, there’s no need to worry about third parties such as future employers learning about the offense.
What Are The Possible Consequences?
The punishment penalties for minors charged with criminal offenses are less severe in juvenile courts. The primary aim of the legal approach is rehabilitation instead of instilling harsh penalties on the offenders. However, some minors may be subject to juvenile detention or probation with periods ranging from a couple of months to four years, depending on the charge’s severity.
Punishment Table for Juvenile Offences in Atlantic County
Offense | Punishment |
Aggravated Assault | Juvenile Detention |
Simple Assault | Juvenile Detention |
Terroristic Threats (other than School-Based) | Juvenile Detention or Residential Placement**Depending on Prior Record Score and Prior Offenses;No adjustment based upon commission in school-zone; shorter range/times recommended at lower end of each scale.) |
School-Based Terroristic Threats(11A:17-1.b.) 1st Degree | Juvenile Detention** or Residential Placement** **(depending on severity of charge; also may involve commitment to Juvenile Justice Commission) |
CDS Possession (various drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, Xanax, and Methamphetamine) | Juvenile Detention |
CDS Distribution (Marijuana and Heroin inclusive) | Juvenile Detention or residential placement |
Possession/Use of Firearms/ BB-Guns/Paintball Guns/Bow & Arrows etc. (2C:39-5): First Offense:-Disorderly Persons Offense.-Juvenile Fine Up to $100.00**. Subsequent Offenses:-4th Degree Indictable Crime.-Juvenile Fine Up to $1,000.00**. **Note – Parental Liability for Fines Imposed pursuant To This Paragraph )))
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Sexual Assaults and/or Lewd Acts (without penetration)** (2C:14-2) Outraging The Public Decency (2C:14-4)** (**Depending upon age and maturity of victim)********* ) ) | Juvenile Detention or Residential Placement******Depending On Age Of Victim and Significance of Prior Record (SOPR) or Prior Offenses;Adequate supervision for treatment, individual and group counseling should be stipulated. |
Burglary | Juvenile Detention or residential placement. |
Robbery | Juvenile Detention or residential placement. |
Shoplifting | Fines, community service, or probation. (at the discretion of the court).)
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Is It Possible To Avoid Sentencing for A First Time Offense?
Yes! If happened upon a first-time offender, your child may be pardoned after completing “deferred disposition.” This approach aims to help minors evade criminal conviction.
When Can Juveniles Be Tried as Adults?
Juveniles can sometimes face trial as adults under certain legal provisions based on specific circumstances- depending on their age and past records. Once referred to adult courts, each defendant loses every protection that comes with juvenile justice systems.
The experience following your child’s arrest doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you speak with an experienced attorney ahead of time. Our seasoned Atlantic County juvenile criminal defense attorneys consider legal representation along with its underlying emotions when dealing with such scenarios. Visit us today at Law Offices of Todd Spodek to receive a free consultation concerning your case by contacting (609) 616-0020. Our support team is available to offer all-around assistance round-the-clock.
NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS