Juvenile Law Lawyers Near You

When your child has been accused, charged with, or being investigated for allegedly committing a crime, it is undoubtedly a daunting experience, and you will be concerned for your child’s welfare and future. The child involved will be referred to as a ‘juvenile,’ meaning they are under the legal age, which is commonly 18, but it varies from state to state. As a juvenile, a child cannot be made to face a prosecutor in the same way an adult would. Hiring an experienced lawyer for juvenile near you is an important step to take to ensure that your child’s rights are adequately defended and protected during this trying time.

What is a Juvenile Lawyer?

A juvenile lawyer is a defense attorney that is specialized in criminal law, particularly in relation to juvenile cases. The lawyer will have extensive experience in practicing criminal law, especially in dealing with juvenile crimes. They will likely also have special training in counseling, social work, and mediation relating to juvenile court proceedings.

What Does a Juvenile Attorney Do?

The primary aim of a juvenile defense attorney is to represent minors who have allegedly committed or have been convicted of a criminal offense. Your juvenile attorney will explain juvenile rights and certain protections to you and your child and help with navigating the juvenile court proceedings, processes, and the juvenile justice system. Your attorney will advise you as to whether all of the requirements have been met by the officers involved in your child’s arrest, be present at the disposition hearing and advocate on your behalf, and ensure that your child’s records are sealed at the close of the case. The duties of your juvenile attorney will vary depending on your particular case, but the best interests of your child should always be paramount.

When to Hire a Juvenile Lawyer?

Juvenile criminal cases are time-sensitive, as the majority are processed relatively quickly. You should consider hiring a juvenile attorney near you if you are facing any of the following circumstances:

• Your child is facing an accusation, charge, or investigation for allegedly committing a criminal offense — The best way for your child to avoid conviction and being found to have engaged in delinquent conduct is for you to hire a good juvenile attorney to defend your child’s rights and civil liberties.
• Your child is going to appear in a juvenile district court in relation to a criminal offense — If an arraignment date has already been set, it is beneficial to contact an attorney. If your child is not the accused but is heavily involved in the investigation, you may still benefit from a consultation with an attorney.

The above list represents common situations when people typically seek to engage the services of a juvenile attorney. There are also other circumstances where consulting an attorney may be useful. You should always seek out the best defense attorney near you as quickly as possible because, in most cases, the consequences of hiring the wrong defense attorney can be detrimental to your child.

How Do I Choose a Juvenile Attorney?

Hiring the best juvenile lawyers near you is an essential part of providing your child with the defense they need. An inadequate defense can lead to dire consequences for your ward, and although time is of the essence, you should carefully consider the following important factors before hiring a juvenile attorney near you:

1. Knowledge — Make sure that the attorney you hire has the requisite knowledge of the juvenile criminal system to effectively manage your case. The attorney should be aware of the child’s constitutional rights and the state laws that relate to juveniles.
2. Experience — Juvenile cases and courts are unique. You should consider hiring an attorney who is not only well-versed in juvenile law in your state but is also has experience with cases similar to yours.
3. Cost — It is recommended that you ask the juvenile lawyer about the cost of their services before engaging them. This will allow you to plan for and ensure that the amount is within your intended budget. If the costs are too high for you, it is advisable to find a more affordable attorney near you.

There is also a range of other factors to consider before hiring the best juvenile lawyer near you. Those listed above are just some of the main factors to take into account to ensure you avoid any dire consequences that your child may otherwise face as a result of having an inadequate defense.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Juvenile Lawyer?

Legal fees range, on average, from $1,500 to $2500 and can increase to between $3000 and $10,000 depending on the particulars of your case. It is always advisable to ask your defense attorney if it is possible for them to provide you with a fixed fee or an estimate of the overall costs of your case. This will help you to plan for these costs or hire a different attorney that better fits your budget while still providing you with a competent defense.

Do Juvenile Attorneys Usually Charge for Consultations?

It is not uncommon for juvenile attorneys near you to charge for an initial consultation. The attorney may charge their standard hourly rate, or they may charge you a flat rate as the consultation fee. The cost varies depending on which law firm you engage. Make sure to enquire about costs before going in for an initial consultation with an attorney.