Adults are not the only ones that can face criminal charges. Teens and underage children can also be charged with crimes. When your child is arrested and dealing with the long arm of the law, it is important to aggressively defend the charges to their future is protected. A criminal record can create difficulties when applying for jobs, when getting into college, and can have a negative impact on your kid’s driving record.
The most common type of criminal charge against a minor is a MIP (minor in possession) case. In that instance, an underage person is charged with possession of alcohol. The defense strategy for an MIP charge can be similar to how a DUI is defended. For example, in a DUI case a common defense is to challenge the validity of the field sobriety test results. In an MIP case it is not uncommon to challenge the actual possession. Other common offenses against underage persons include these top three:
- Vandalism
- Public intoxication
- Shoplifting
Minors are also frequently charged with simple possession of marijuana or other controlled substances. The goal is to keep a juvenile out of jail, and into rehabilitation. Youthful offenders are a perfect match for the rehabilitation system because they can be more open to the work required to avoid repeat offenses. Children make mistakes and are usually eager to please by looking for ways to correct their behavior. We work with you and your kids to develop a defense strategy that works within the juvenile justice system and is likely to prevent harmful notations on your child’s permanent record. Call us today to learn more.
For more information about defense for youthful offenders, call an experienced defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. We work with you to tailor a defense that fits the specific facts of your case. We offer an initial consultation for no charge, and look forward to helping you resolve your case in a satisfactory way.