Sunday, November 16, 2014

Hennepin County Juvenile Defense Attorney (Explained)


As an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney ... and as a human-being .. I get that everyone makes mistakes—especially young people.  Children and teenagers involved in criminal activity are susceptible to long-lasting penalties that could impact the rest of their lives. A Minnesota Juvenile Defense Attorney can provide emotional support to a juvenile and their family and make sure the potential penalties don’t damage the child’s future.

What Do You Need to Know?

In the State of Minnesota the law defines a juvenile as a person between the ages of 10 and 17. When an underage person commits a crime, the laws and consequences are different than they are for adult criminals. For example, juveniles are not entitled to a jury trial or bail release.

Some of the most common juvenile crimes in Minnesota are:

  • Alcohol Use
  • Drunk Driving
  • Speeding
  • Reckless Driving
  • Texting While driving
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
  • Shoplifting
  • Drug possession
  • Disturbing the peace
As with adults, juvenile crimes can range from petty misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crimes. In the most serious cases, the juvenile offender can be charged and punished as an adult.

Consequences

Many children don’t deserve harsh sentences because they are often unaware of the consequences of their actions. Common punishments for juvenile offenders include counseling and detention in a youth facility or juvenile hall. Having a criminal attorney to fight against the prosecution and keep the charges to a minimum is a must.

In the final analysis, an offender’s age, criminal history, and the circumstances surrounding the crime determine the sentence.  With insight into the process, that I gleaned from my former role - as a prosecutor - I have worked to help family's put their juvenile in the best possible position to get the right outcome - ie., one that does not ruin a promising future.  

There are numerous exceptions and defenses to these consequences. Anyone charged with a juvenile offense offense should contact the Rolloff Law Office as soon as possible to discuss possible defense strategies for their case.

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