Possession of alcohol. Reckless driving. DWI. Assault and battery. Shoplifting. Drug possession or distribution. Vandalism. Minors in Fairfax are charged with offenses like these all the time. Teenagers make mistakes, of course. But these charges can have serious and lasting consequences if not handled properly.
It doesn’t matter if it’s you facing charges or your son or daughter. Even a small infraction can cause fear and anxiety. Having some idea of what to expect can help calm fears. So can working with an experienced attorney. What happens when a child under the age of 18 is arrested or charged?
Juvenile Courts vs. Adult Courts
Cases against minors originate in the juvenile court system. It is set up to help and rehabilitate children who have made mistakes, not to punish them. The juvenile system doesn’t use incarceration the way the adult court system does. Instead, it relies on a wide variety of specialized programs and services. The goal of these programs is to reduce the likelihood that a child will commit more offenses down the road.
In Fairfax, the Fairfax County Juvenile Court handles these cases. Fairfax is Virginia’s largest county. That means its court offers many programs and services that other, smaller jurisdictions don’t. Minors facing charges in Fairfax have more options. They also have more information they need to understand and more decisions they need to make.
A minor who commits a particularly serious offense may be tried in an adult court rather than a juvenile one. This situation should be avoided if at all possible. It is far better for a minor to be tried in juvenile court. Working with a skilled lawyer can help keep a case out of the adult court system.
Don’t Go It Alone
When a minor is facing charges, his or her entire future is on the line. What happens now can impact the rest of his or her life. The best thing you can do is speak with an attorney who has experience with juvenile cases as soon as possible. You may even be able to get a case dropped if your lawyer steps in early enough.
As a former Fairfax prosecutor, Faraji Rosenthall has a wealth of experience handling juvenile cases. He takes every client seriously, regardless of age, and fights aggressively for his or her rights. He’ll work toward achieving the most favorable outcome possible for you or your child.
Our firm is one of the best in Fairfax when it comes to defending minors in juvenile court. To find out how we can help you or your child, contact our office today.
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