Juvenile Crimes Defense in Connecticut

Stamford Juvenile Crimes Defense Law Firm Focuses on Young Offenders

Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorneys Put the Rights of Juvenile Clients First

If your juvenile son or daughter is facing criminal charges, you need an attorney familiar with Connecticut juvenile law and the defenses available. Following are some things you need to know about juvenile criminal defense in Connecticut.

• Juvenile court is where children age 16 or younger are prosecuted; those over 16 but not yet 18 are prosecuted in adult court as Youthful Offenders.
• Juvenile court has no bail requirement, meaning your child will either be released to you on a promise to appear in juvenile court, or might be detained in a juvenile detention center until arraignment, which is usually held the next business day.
• Prior to arraignment, all juvenile cases are reviewed by court personnel to determine the specific prosecution track: judicial or non-judicial disposition. Less serious cases are typically designated as non-judicial and are turned over to a juvenile probation officer. Judicial cases involve the sale or possession of certain drugs and firearms, felony charges, and children with prior juvenile charges.
• Juvenile court does not involve juries, and only a judge will hear the case.
• If a parent is the victim of a crime charged against a juvenile, the court may appoint a non-family member as a guardian for the child for court purposes.

Parents have the right to be present with their child during all police interactions, questioning, and interrogations, and it is critical to advise law enforcement that you wish to be present for all interactions with your child.

Contact a Stamford Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorney Today

Are you looking for an attorney in Westport, Redding, or Wilton, Connecticut who defends juveniles facing criminal charges? Criminal defense attorney Mark Kratter has been practicing juvenile criminal defense law in Connecticut for more than 20 years. You may contact him online or call 203-678-8135 to schedule your free initial case evaluation today.