Learn To Handle Juvenile Processes for Your Child
What happens to your child if they get in trouble with the law in Fairfax County? Read more details here.
Criminal acts that are committed by minors are called offenses. When these occur, minors will attend juvenile court, and once found delinquent, there are several assignments that will occur:
- The Court
- The Counselor
- The Treatment
A Brief Guide for Parents of Delinquents
Has your child been involved in delinquent activity? Here’s what you need to know to make the process go smoother – for both yourself and your child:
- A Court Counselor Will Be Assigned – while this counselor may seem like they’re sitting on the fence between the court and your child, their role is to ensure that your child abides by the terms of their probation; as well as mitigate any risk your childposes to the general public.
- Avoid Repeat Offenses – A re-offense can cause serious consequences. Speak to your child about the ripple effects of echoing the same offense, whether this is vandalism, theft, robbery, or other common juvenile delinquencies.
- Participate in Community Service – to meet the terms of the probation. Many community service programs teach minors about ways to resist delinquent temptations, practice self-control, and they generally aim to rehabilitate youth.
- Obeying the Rules – It’s important for juveniles to maintain good behavior, as any activity that’s deemed a threat to society will likely result in detainment. Examples include running away; committing a new offense; or not meeting court appearances.
Other Ways to Help
- Alternatives to Confinement – a lawyer can intervene to plea bargain with the courts, as a way to prevent confinement of your child. The court will typically review the offender’s past history as well as the circumstances surrounding the case.
- Fighting Accusations – alternatively, not all arrests mean guilt. Fight false allegations by contacting a juvenile attorney who will investigate the real evidence that points to your child’s innocence.
A Future After Juvenile Delinquency
Most parents want to know:
Is there hope for the future if you’ve been adjudicated for juvenile delinquency?
If there are no repeat misdemeanor offenses, and your child has complied with the terms of probation, then yes, juvenile records will be sealed from public view once they reach age 19, or five years have passed.
No parent ever wants to think of their child being subject to the juvenile system. But this happens more often than you think.
The good news is that one mistake doesn’t have to ruin your child’s education, future career or entire life. Speak to a lawyer to see how you can cover all the bases for promoting the best outcome.
