Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

If your child is facing a legal charge, it is only natural to have considerable anxiety regarding the matter. The fact is that a conviction carries not only legal penalties but also serious social consequences. The surest way to help your child is to consult an experienced Lancaster juvenile defense lawyer at Chieppor & Egner immediately.

Common Criminal Charges against Juveniles in Lancaster

Your child can face virtually any kind of criminal charge, but some of the most common include the following:

• Underage drinking
• DUI
• Shoplifting and other forms of theft
• Traffic violations
• Drug violations
• Simple assault
• Vandalism
• Truancy
• Curfew violations
• Violent crimes

The sooner you have professional legal representation backing you up, the better protected your child’s rights will be.

When the Term Juvenile Applies

In Pennsylvania, the juvenile criminal justice system is distinct from the adult criminal justice system. Offenders aged 10 to 18 are generally prosecuted as juveniles. However, juvenile courts can exert jurisdiction over offenders until they turn 21.

Summary Offenses and Delinquent Acts

Summary offense charges are ranked below misdemeanors in terms of severity in Pennsylvania’s grading system. While these offenses qualify as crimes when juveniles commit them, juveniles generally are not incarcerated as a result of convictions. 

Summary offenses are divided into four degrees, and the penalties for convictions range from fines of $25 to $200 to a jail sentence of up to 90 days. Common examples of summary offense charges against juveniles include the following:

• Underage tobacco use
• Trespassing
• Using a fake ID
• Unlawful use of paintball guns

Delinquent acts, on the other hand, refer to offenses that would be crimes if the accused were an adult. Because they are charged as delinquent acts, the justice system’s focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Points to Keep in Mind

It’s important to keep the following points in mind as you navigate the juvenile justice system:

• The juvenile system encourages diversion to programs within the community whenever it’s deemed appropriate.
• Whenever a juvenile is detained, they must receive a hearing within 72 hours to determine whether keeping them away from their home and family is justified.
• Each juvenile case is assessed on the unique risks and needs.
• Your child’s records will not automatically be expunged or sealed. Instead, a specific legal process must be initiated.

Finally, it’s important to note that juveniles can be tried as adults for certain serious crimes in the State of Pennsylvania.

You Need an Experienced Lancaster Juvenile Defense Attorney on Your Side 

If your child is facing a charge, it’s time to seek the help you need. The formidable Lancaster juvenile defense lawyers at Chieppor & Egner appreciate just how serious your situation is and will spare no effort in their skilled efforts to resolve the case against your child favorably. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t wait to reach out for more information by contacting us online or calling 717-393-1400 to schedule a free consultation today.