Juvenile Offenders
Juvenile offenses in the state of New Jersey are taken seriously bylaw enforcement and the court system, and juveniles accused of committing a criminal offense can face severe consequences including fines, community service, or confinement to a juvenile detention facility. For this reason, the courts require that every juvenile charged with a violation of the law must have legal representation, regardless of the seriousness of the offense.
New Jersey courts take steps to protect the identity of juvenile offenders, separate them from adult offenders when detention is necessary, and employ a rehabilitative approach in dealing with adolescents. In order to be considered a juvenile offender, an individual must have committed a crime prior to their 18th birthday. Any crimes committed after an individual is 18 years of age will not be heard in juvenile court. However, due to the seriousness of some criminal acts, juveniles can be referred to adult criminal court.
Typical offenses for which juveniles appear before the court are:
- underage possession of alcohol
- possession of marijuana or other illegal drugs
- violent offenses such as assault, aggravated assault, or assault by auto
- terroristic threats, disorderly conduct or harassment
- shop-lifting or theft
- school related offenses such as false fire alarms or bomb threats
The juvenile court systems differs from those for adults. Because criminal violations of the law can tarnish a juvenile’s name, reputation, and future endeavors, juvenile court proceedings are not open to the public. Juvenile cases cases are generally decided by a judge, not a jury. They do not have programs such as pre-trial intervention or drug court available, however, a conditional discharge is available for marijuana possession cases. Juveniles also have available a sentence of deferred disposition in which the offender pleads guilty, is placed on probation for a period of time and if the probation is successfully completed, the judge actually dismisses the charge and the juvenile has no record of conviction.
While the goal of the juvenile court system in New Jersey is not to punish juvenile offenders, but, to help them and rehabilitate them, juvenile offenders can be required to perform community service, be placed on probation, or even sent to a detention center. However, the juvenile court judge can sentence a juvenile to programs intended to aide them such as drug evaluation and treatment, alternative day programs or schools, counseling, and therapy.
Even though New Jersey’s juvenile court system does have a minor’s best interest in mind, it is of utmost importance to have an attorney on your side that is knowledgeable of the laws regarding juvenile offenses and who has experience navigating the complex procedures and programs that are available for juveniles.
Randolph Wolf is a New Jersey criminal attorney with the knowledge, skills, and understanding that you and your family need during these trying circumstances. Mr. Wolf will provide experienced legal representation in juvenile court proceedings for any type of criminal charge.
