Josh Lee & Associates is ready to act quickly if your child has received juvenile charges for an offense. Charges can impact your child’s future, and an Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer can represent them and advocate for your family. We work diligently to get charges reduced or dropped and ensure your child gets the support they need moving forward.
Why Choose The Juvenile Crimes Lawyers at Josh Lee & Associates
Josh Lee & Associates provides fierce legal representation when it matters most, and representing your child is no different. When you hire our team, you receive a legal team that:
- Provides holistic support as we fight for your child and work to preserve their future and options
- Protects your child’s legal rights throughout the legal process and during hearings
- We use effective defense strategies to secure the most favorable outcome possible for your child
Types of Crimes Juveniles Can Commit in Oklahoma City
While a young person is capable of committing the same crimes as an adult, there are some crimes that they may be more likely to commit than others. These offenses and how they are handled legally may vary depending on the juvenile’s age at the time of the offense. Some common types of crimes that a juvenile could commit and be charged for includes:
- Theft
- Alcohol offenses
- Drug crimes
- Assault and/or battery
- Possession or use of a weapon
- Robbery or burglary
- Kidnapping
- Rape and other non-consensual sexual acts
- Arson
- Murder or manslaughter
Understanding How the Juvenile Justice System Works
When a minor commits a crime and is arrested, they can be charged as a juvenile. While the offense could have included the same actions as an adult, courts take into account the age of the youth and their capacity to understand what they have done. These offenses generally receive lesser punishments, and the juvenile justice system focuses on getting minors the support they need and preventing future infractions.
Juveniles May be Tried as an Adult in Certain Circumstances
A minor may be tried and punished as an adult under Oklahoma’s transfer laws if he or she commits certain felonies, such as murder, trafficking, and aggravated assault. This decision may be up to the discretion of prosecutors, and your defense attorney can also fight for a reverse waiver to have the offense tried as a juvenile.
What to Expect After a Juvenile Has Been Arrested in Oklahoma City
After a minor has been arrested for a crime, they must attend a hearing with the Juvenile Bureau to assess the situation and determine how to proceed. Depending on the severity of the offense, a case may be dismissed, or the minor may be charged and have to go to trial. During a trial, a judge hears the case and issue a decision. If they move to convict, a judge determines sentencing terms. Throughout this process, minors may remain in custody or may be released into their parents’ care.
Juveniles Have Legal Rights
Throughout the legal process, juveniles have many of the same legal rights as adults do in criminal cases. Your child has the right to due process, as well as the right to remain silent and have legal representation. They are also entitled to hear the charges against themselves and present a defense before a judge. Our firm protects your child’s rights and speaks for them so they can receive the support and advocacy they need during this time.
Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Oklahoma City
Unlike adult sentencing and penalties, which often involve incarceration and fines, juvenile justice penalties focus on rehabilitation, teaching, and community support. This may include community programs and resources such as counseling, intervention, and diversion programs. Community service may also be required. The goal of these programs is to deter juveniles from continued engagement in criminal activity.
To ensure that a juvenile’s freedoms and future are protected to the maximum extent possible, our team builds a defense strategy that effectively combats charges. The approach we take depends on the details of the offense, type of charge, prosecution’s case, and more. We then further customize our arguments to ensure a targeted defense that can secure a better outcome.
Juvenile Crimes and Collateral Consequences
While penalties for juvenile crimes may not be as severe as adult sentencng, they can still result in collateral consequences. Offenses can affect a minor’s ability to get a job, secure employment, drive, and pursue higher education, to name a few. Taking quick action by hiring a lawyer can help give juveniles a better chance of future success. You should also talk to your lawyer about future expungement.
Expunging and Sealing a Juvenile Record in Oklahoma
Juvenile offenders may be able to have their records sealed or expunged. However, they must first meet certain requirements before they can pursue this option. According to 10A O.S. § 2-6-109, a juvenile may have their record sealed or expunged once they have completed the terms of their sentence, have no new charges, and all required monies have been paid. They must also be at least 18 years of age to petition the court to have their record adjusted.
Once the court has reviewed the petition and approved the request, they move to seal or expunge the record accordingly. This effectively erases the record of the offense in most instances. While it won’t be visible to most parties, in-depth background checks or certain parties may still be able to access it. If a juvenile’s record hasn’t been unsealed within 10 years, then it may be destroyed completely. Talk with your lawyer about eligibility and how to proceed with your request.
Contact the Juvenile Crimes Lawyers from Josh Lee & Associates Today
Josh Lee & Associates understands your fears and concerns as a parent, and we are here to help your family throughout this difficult time. We strive to help your child get the resources they need and minimize the repercussions of charges on their future. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about your child’s options when you contact our law firm today.
