New Jersey Juvenile Lawyer
Skilled and Experienced New Jersey Juvenile Lawyer Fighting to Protect Clients Charged with Juvenile Crimes in Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, and Throughout NJ
Has your child been charged with committing a crime? Although New Jersey’s juvenile system is more focused on rehabilitation than punishment, minors that commit crimes still face the possibility of detention in juvenile facilities. A conviction with a juvenile crime may also result in monetary fines and a criminal record. The prosecution may also apply for a waiver in order to have your child tried as an adult. If this happens, they could face even more severe penalties if convicted. The stakes in juvenile cases are too high not to hire a skilled and experienced New Jersey juvenile lawyer.
New Jersey law requires that a juvenile be represented by legal counsel in criminal matters. That is unless the case is minor and is referred to a committee to find a resolution. However, with such high stakes, you can’t afford to take the risk of not hiring an experienced attorney.
Lawyer Al Mollow is experienced in advocating for juvenile clients facing criminal charges in New Jersey. He specializes in criminal law and has successfully represented thousands of clients. He will fight to ensure that your child’s rights and best interests are upheld throughout the proceedings. You can rely on his skills and experience to get the best outcome for your child’s case.
Contact Mollo Law Firm now to schedule your appointment.
How Juvenile Crime Cases are Different From Adult Crime Cases
There are several differences in how juvenile cases and adult cases are handled. Some of the most important differences include:
- Court where a case is heard
Juvenile cases are heard within the county where the juvenile resides and not where the crime allegedly occurred. Juvenile crime cases are often heard by family court.
- Trial by jury
Juvenile cases are never tried by a jury. Juveniles have no right to trial by jury. Their cases are tried before a judge.
- Standard of proof
In adult criminal cases, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime they are charged with. However, in juvenile cases, the best interests of the child are the standard by which the court uses to determine their recommendation for punishment.
- Sentencing
In most adult criminal cases, a conviction will result in probation, jail time and/or monetary fines. However, for juvenile cases, more discretion is used in determining the punishment. Judges focus more on rehabilitation when it comes to deciding on the punishment for a juvenile case and not solely on the severity of the crime. Judges may order the child to undergo counseling, participate in community service, work in an educational program, seek drug treatment or have the driver’s license suspended.
- Attorney requirement
Adults have the right to an attorney. This means that they can choose to be represented by legal counsel or not. The law in New Jersey requires juveniles to be represented by an attorney. If their family cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint a public defender for them.
Handling juvenile cases is vastly different from handling adult criminal law cases. It is therefore important to seek a New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer that is experienced in representing clients in juvenile crime cases. An experienced attorney will have a good understanding of New Jersey’s juvenile justice system. They will help you understand your child’s rights and the options available to them. They will provide you with an effective strategy to ensure the best outcome in your child’s case. An experienced juvenile crimes attorney will protect your child’s future.
Contact Mollo Law Firm to Schedule an Appointment with a Top Rated New Jersey Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Has your child been charged with a crime? Don’t take any chances with your child’s freedom. Hire an experienced and skilled New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer to defend your child. Contact Mollo Law Firm to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Lawyer Al Mollo is experienced in representing juveniles. He will fight to protect your child’s right to freedom. He will also work with the best interests of your child in mind. He will do everything he can to protect your child’s bright future.
Contact us now to schedule your appointment for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Juvenile Crimes in New Jersey
Many parents whose children have been charged with a crime wonder whether their children will be tried as adults or as minors. The answer is that it will depend on several factors. One of the most important factors is the child’s age at the time of the offense. In New Jersey, children that are younger than 14 years of age cannot be charged as adults no matter what the offense is. Children between 15 and 17 can be charged as adults depending on the offense. The prosecutor may seek a waiver in order to have the child tried as an adult.
If your child has been charged with a crime it is important to hire a New Jersey juvenile crimes lawyer as soon as possible after the charge. Your attorney will help to prevent your child from being tried as an adult. They will also help protect your child’s rights and work to get the best outcome in your case.
This depends on the offense. Juvenile offenders may sometimes be required to appear before the court and attend the legal proceedings of their case. Juvenile cases in New Jersey are heard by a family law judge. However, if your child is being tried as an adult, their case will be heard in a criminal court.
There are alternatives to having the case heard in a court. The case may be heard by an Intake Service Conference (ISC), a Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC) or by an informal referee for juvenile cases. An experienced juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best path to take in your child’s case.
