Juvenile Defense Attorney

Your Child Needs the Best Defense Possible

Is your child facing a juvenile delinquency action or perhaps even a criminal charge? You want the best possible outcome for them because the penalties in New Jersey could influence the rest of their life.

The juvenile justice system is not one that parents or guardians can navigate on their own. Handling your case requires someone with expert knowledge of New Jersey juvenile law and a track record of success in and out of the courtroom.

That’s why many parents choose Michele Finizio, criminal defense attorney, to represent their child. Michele has over 20 years of experience in juvenile cases to give your child the best chance of putting underage offenses in the past for good.

Our law offices serve Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Mercer counties in New Jersey. And your first consultation is absolutely free, so you can make informed decisions moving forward. Call Michele Finizio at 856-888-9059, or use our online contact form to get in touch today and let us know how we can help.

What Are the Most Common Juvenile Offender Charges?

Michele Finizio has decades of experience and has worked on hundreds of cases involving the most common charges in juvenile cases.

Drug Possession and/or Drug Use

Cannabis and cannabis products are only legal in New Jersey for adults 21 and older. Therefore, use or possession of illegal drugs by juveniles is punishable by law. This includes:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Methamphetamine
• LSD
• PCP

It is also illegal to possess or use medications prescribed to someone else, such as fentanyl, Xanax and other benzodiazepines, Adderall, Ritalin, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, and other opioids or narcotic pain relievers.

Underage Drinking and Driving (Zero Tolerance DUI)

Minors in New Jersey are not permitted to have any alcohol at all show up on a breathalyzer test when stopped by law enforcement. That means anything above a 0.00 breathalyzer reading can result in being charged with driving under the influence (DUI). This is what is meant by a “zero tolerance DUI” policy in our state.

Shoplifting and Theft Offenses

There are various levels of theft offenses that many juveniles find themselves charged with. You are probably familiar with shoplifting — taking property from a commercial business during operating hours without paying for it.

But robbery and burglary are also often included in this category. Robbery is taking another party’s property by force or threat, regardless of whether or not a weapon is involved. Burglary is entering a property or vehicle with the intent to commit an offense.

Trespassing and Vandalism

Many minors don’t even realize they are committing trespassing or vandalism offenses at the time. Or they don’t think the consequences are serious. They might think they’re involved in a high school or college prank.

The court has broad room to interpret the circumstances of this type of offense. It’s important to have an attorney help officials understand what happened in your child’s situation as part of a strong defense.

Computer and Internet-Related Offenses

Unfortunately, with the accessibility of the internet, mobile devices, and social media these days, more and more juveniles are being charged with computer and internet-related offenses. These include:

• Credit card fraud
• Identity theft
• Hacking
• Stalking
• Cyber bullying
• Harassment

These cases can carry severe consequences. So it’s crucial to have an attorney by your side to defend them and explain any conditions unique to their case.

Campus Sex Crimes and Sexual Assault

Another type of juvenile offense that we see more frequently today is campus sex crimes and/or sexual assault. These cases can often overlap with other offenses, like internet-related offenses, underage drug use, and underage alcohol consumption. In some instances, there are ambiguous questions surrounding consent.

There is the possibility that an offense of this nature could follow your child for the rest of their life. That’s why you want an attorney who can help reach an optimum outcome for your child in the legal system.

Understand the Language and Process of Juvenile Justice

Adults and juveniles are viewed differently by the New Jersey legal system. Most cases involving minors are not tried in criminal court with a jury; rather, they are heard in Family Court by a judge. They are not charged with “crimes” but with “acts of delinquency.”

Children who are 14 years old or younger at the time an offense is committed cannot be tried as an adult. Older children can sometimes be tried in adult court for more serious offenses but only if the prosecution obtains a waiver to do this.

What kinds of offenses by children 15 and older are most likely to be tried in adult court?

• Aggravated arson
• Carjacking
• Criminal homicide
• First-degree robbery
• Kidnapping
• Second-degree aggravated assault
• Serious drug-related offenses
• Sexual assault (or aggravated sexual assault)
• Unlawful firearm possession

The child’s prior history and mental state are also taken into consideration, along with their perceived threat to the public.

Juveniles are not “arrested.” They are “taken into custody.” Detention may continue until the trial in some instances, or the child may be released home until they go before the judge. When children are detained, they are not held in adult jail. They are kept in a secure facility, youth house, juvenile justice institution, or detention center.

What if your child is found guilty of an offense? They are not “convicted” but “adjudicated of delinquency.” The penalty is typically chosen from the following:

• Detention
• Probation
• Community service
• Substance abuse treatment
• Mental health counseling
• Loss of driving privileges
• Fines

How Can a New Jersey Criminal Defense Specialist Help You and Your Child?

It’s important to partner with a New Jersey criminal defense attorney who is well versed in juvenile law to ensure your child’s rights are protected, including making certain they are not the victim of wrongful accusations or charges.

Your lawyer can explain any legal terminology and the process of going to Family Court to you as you move through each step. They have the resources to negotiate charges and sentencing with the court or related agencies.

This is important, as some court records may still be available to schools and federal agencies, even if they are not part of their permanent record for the rest of the public. In fact, your defense attorney can also assist with expungement later, which helps remove offenses from your child’s record after they have met all court requirements.

Don’t Delay Hiring a Defense Attorney for Your Child

If you need a defense attorney for a minor in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, or Mercer County, don’t delay getting in touch. The sooner you form a plan together, the better your chances for the best possible outcome for your child and the sooner you can all move on together.

Call the law offices of Michele Finizio at 856-888-9059, or reach out online at your convenience to set up your complimentary initial consultation.