Metairie Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Children do not always make the best decisions and sometimes, mistakes are made. In some cases, however, those mistakes can result in a child facing criminal charges. Just like adults, children are also sometimes wrongly accused of committing a crime. Like all other states, Louisiana deals with juveniles accused of crimes differently than adults. Minors who commit crimes usually must go through the juvenile justice system, although there are some exceptions. Below, our Metairie juvenile crime lawyer outlines some of the most common offenses committed by minors, and when a child may be tried as an adult.
Common Juvenile Criminal Offenses in Metairie
Any criminal act committed by a minor child may result in charges being processed through the juvenile justice system. Some of the most common of these are as follows:
- Assault
- Battery
- Underage drinking
- Shoplifting
- Truancy
- Vandalism
- Drug possession
Juvenile offenses often do not intend to hurt other people, but they are still taken very seriously by the courts.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court
The majority of minor children charged with a crime are tried in the juvenile court. This is a completely different justice system than the adult court. In juvenile court, the penalties focus on rehabilitation and often include options such as diversion programs and community service. Sentencing juveniles to hard time in prison is not done in the juvenile system.
Children do not have a right to a jury trial in the juvenile system. However, they do have a right to have a hearing to determine whether their case should be moved to the adult justice system. Even though the juvenile system does not focus on incarceration, any matter heard in this system should still be taken very seriously.
When are Juveniles Tried as Adults in Metairie?
When a minor commits a crime, the case is typically heard in juvenile court. However, state law outlines many specific crimes that qualify a minor for a transfer to adult court if the minor is at least 14 years of age. These offenses include:
- Murder, both first and second degree
- Aggravated kidnapping
- Aggravated or first-degree rape
- Aggravated battery that involved the discharge of a firearm during the commission of the crime
- Armed robbery that involved the use of a firearm
- Second-degree rape when the alleged victim was a minor at least two years younger than the perpetrator
It is important to know that when determining if a juvenile case will be transferred to adult court, the age of the child matters. More offenses are added to the list when a child is at least 15 years old. These crimes include second-degree kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and first and second degree murder.
Our Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Metairie Can Help Your Child
It is never easy when your child has been charged with a crime. At Palazzo Law Firm, our Metairie juvenile crime lawyer can advise on your case and give your child and your family the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us today at 504-433-1442 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
