Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio, Providing Compassionate Legal Representation to the Accused

Children are our future. And we bet on a child’s future because they are so full of promise and potential. But a criminal conviction in juvenile court can change all of that in an instant. In addition to potentially facing jail time, community service, or hefty fines, such criminal charges can leave a lasting impact on a young person’s life. A criminal conviction could make it difficult for the offender to get future employment, a place to live, or go to college.

If your young loved one is facing criminal charges, you must speak to a criminal defense lawyer right away. Only a juvenile crime lawyer can properly defend your child from a conviction and the consequences that go along with it.

At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our law firm has extensive experience representing clients accused of a crime. Speak to a juvenile criminal attorney at our firm to learn more about our legal services. Our law offices offer a free consultation to all prospective new clients, so call today.

What Are Common Juvenile Criminal Charges?

Common examples of juvenile crime cases include the following:

• Delinquency and vandalism.
• Drug possession.
• Drunk driving.
• Gang activity.
• Homicide.
• Sexual assault.
• Theft.
• Traffic crimes.
• Underage drinking.
• Violent crime.

What Are the Potential Consequences for a Juvenile Criminal Case Conviction?

Punishment for a juvenile criminal offense is often based on rehabilitation. The consequences will vary depending on whether the offender was charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and as an adult or as a minor.
Those convicted may face the following consequences:

• Community service.
• Court-ordered drug or alcohol treatment.
• Fines.
• Jail or prison time.
• Mandatory counseling.
• Probation, curfew, or house arrest.
• School suspension or expulsion.
• Suspension of driver’s license.
• Time spent at a juvenile detention center.

To avoid the worst consequences, your juvenile defense attorney must get ahead of the case by reviewing the facts early. Do not delay before bringing your case to a lawyer.

How Are Juvenile Cases Different Than the Adult Criminal Justice System?

In a juvenile case, a minor is not given the same rights as an adult would if a similar case went to court in the adult criminal justice system. For example, in a juvenile crime case, the juvenile offender is not guaranteed a trial by a jury of their peers. Instead, sentencing options will be decided entirely by the judge overseeing the minor’s case.
Additionally, there is no right to bail or bond for juvenile offenders and no right to a ‘speedy trial.’ This means that, legally, there is the potential that the accused could sit in a juvenile detention facility for weeks or months while the case is pending.

Can a Minor Be Charged as an Adult?

The more violent the crime and the older the accused offender, the more likely the prosecutor’s office will want to try a minor as an adult. In such cases, it is absolutely vital that your criminal defense attorney get out ahead on the case to try to convince the prosecution that their client does not deserve to be treated as an adult.
If tried and convicted as an adult, the juvenile convict will enter the general population of the assigned prison or jail and receive no special considerations because of his or her age.

The most surefire way to limit the chances of a minor being tried as an adult is by hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact our firm to discuss your case today.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

If you’ve been accused of a crime, you need to speak with a criminal lawyer about your case. If your young family member is accused of a crime, then you need a criminal defense lawyer with experience representing minors as clients. At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, you will find a juvenile criminal lawyer more than capable of representing your family’s concerns during this challenging time. And while no outcome can be guaranteed in any court of law, we feel confident that we can provide legal representation that you can feel confident in.
To schedule your free consultation with a member of our legal team, contact our Cleveland-based law office at 216-208-7858.