Facing a criminal charge can be frightening and confusing no matter your age, but being charged with a crime as a juvenile comes with unique challenges. A criminal record can follow your child for the rest of his or her life, affecting his or her ability to get into an academic program, get a job, or even an apartment.

juvenile offender

If your child is being charged with a crime, you need an attorney who is familiar with the North Carolina juvenile justice system and who will explain to you the steps and process regarding your particular situation. The juvenile defense attorneys at Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler and Thomas, L.L.P. understand the potential outcomes that can stem from a criminal record and work tirelessly on your child’s behalf.

Overview of North Carolina Juvenile Law

First and foremost, you will want to keep your child’s criminal case where it belongs – in the juvenile system. Most non-violent juvenile crimes are classified as misdemeanors.

Sentences for charges within the juvenile system cannot include jail time, though some can include:

  • Juvenile detention
  • Probation
  • or special programs

An experienced juvenile defense attorney will work to prevent your child from being charged as an adult.

Trying Juveniles as Adult Defenders

In North Carolina, age is the main factor in determining whether your child will be charged as an adult. In North Carolina, 16 and 17-year olds can be charged as adults but only for major crimes. Minors can’t be tried as adults for nonviolent crimes with the exception of impaired driving.

What to Expect from Juvenile Court Services

Once a minor is charged with a crime, they are sent to Juvenile Court Services, where the charge is evaluated. Your family and the child will be interviewed by counselors. From there, the case could simply be closed if it is deemed that court intervention isn’t necessary – this is typically reserved for non-violent first offenders.

Possible Outcomes for a Juvenile Case

Juvenile Court Services can also choose to divert the case from court. In this case, a diversion plan is created for the child and whether or not it’s heard in court is contingent on its successful completion. Diversion plans can include state-sponsored programs and volunteer activities. If a juvenile court counselor deems your child to be a risk, the case will be immediately sent to the courts. There’s also a possibility that your child could be held in a detention facility.

 

 

Juvenile Offender Statistics

Nationally, youth arrests have gone down significantly since the 90s. In North Carolina, there were 27,522 charges filed against juveniles and the vast majority were minor offenses, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Unfortunately, once these cases were turned over the Juvenile Court Services, the majority of them were approved for court, so it’s likely that your child should prepare for that outcome if charged with a crime.

Common Juvenile Offenses

In 2016, the vast majority of juvenile offenses in North Carolina were minor charges such as simple assault (fighting), larceny, or disorderly conduct at school according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Only a small percentage of these charges were considered to be felonious. Other offenses that are common among juveniles are underage drinking or possession of drug paraphernalia.

Know Where Your Child is and What They are Doing

Being aware of your child’s whereabouts, friends and activities is key to helping them stay out of trouble. Keep the lines of communication open and make your child aware consequences of engaging in risky behaviors. Children can be impulsive, but if you arm them with information they are more likely to make responsible choices.

What to Do If Your Child is Arrested?

Being arrested is scary and traumatic for the child and the family, but it is important to stay calm, remain polite, and know your rights.

  • Minors have the same rights as adults when under arrest
  • Police must have probable cause to search your child
  • Your child has a right to remain silent
  • Your child has the right to know the charges being filed against him or her
  • Most importantly, your child has a right to counsel
  • Do not allow your child to be questioned by a law enforcement officer without consulting an experienced criminal defense lawyer present

As a parent, your first instinct is to defend and protect your child, however, arguing with a law enforcement officer will not help. It is important to remain calm and be a voice of reason and understanding for your child. In most cases, minors are not held and cannot post bond, so your child should be released and in your custody post-arrest. Contact a juvenile defense attorney as soon as possible to advise you and your child in the next steps.

If you find yourself having trouble dealing with your child’s arrest, find a local support group or speak with a therapist. It is a tough situation and you do not have to go through it alone. Take care of yourself – your child needs you!

North Carolina Programs and Resources for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families

When dealing with the court system, your child needs your support and guidance more than ever. There are many programs and resources throughout the state that are designed to help you and your child. Strong families and communities reduce recidivism rates. Here’s a short list of programs and resources for juvenile offenders and their families in North Carolina:

Family Resource Center South Atlantic – Provides services for parents and early childhood education.

Haven House – Provides community-based services to at-risk youth and their families in Wake County.

AMIKids – Non-profit dedicating to helping at-risk youth become responsible and productive citizens.

CORRAL – Christian non-profit that pairs at-risk girls with rescue horses to experience healing and love.

Methodist Home for Children – Provides vulnerable children dealing with abuse, mental health issues, and addiction with short term homes and care.

Other Areas Of Criminal Law

Our criminal defense attorneys are able to represent you for a variety of charges, including:

Contact a Juvenile Defense Attorney in Raleigh Today!

Protect your child’s future. Don’t let them get lost in the court system. The Criminal Defense attorneys at Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, LLP have seen many juvenile offender cases in Raleigh. Call (919) 615-2473 or complete the online contact form. Don’t wait until your child’s  court date is right around the corner. Speak with one of our attorneys today.

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