Joliet Juvenile Law Attorney

Will County Juvenile Law Attorneys Protecting Minor's Rights

Has your child been arrested or accused of breaking the law in Will County or other nearby areas? If so, they may face a number of penalties that could affect them both now and in the future. It is important to understand the rights that apply to minors in these situations, and parents will also need to know the procedures that will be followed during juvenile delinquency proceedings. To make sure your child will be able to address these issues correctly and avoid consequences that could affect them in their adult life, it is important to have an experienced juvenile law attorney on your side.

At Reeder & Brown, P.C., our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in multiple types of criminal defense cases, including those that are handled in the juvenile justice system. We work to protect the rights of minors who are facing criminal charges or other serious legal matters. With our understanding of the unique challenges faced by juveniles in Will County, we can provide effective representation to ensure that your child will be able to move forward successfully.

Understanding the Illinois Juvenile Justice System

Most of the time, criminal cases involving minors are handled very differently from situations involving adults who are accused of violating the law. While the adult criminal justice system is usually focused on punishing offenders for alleged wrongdoing, the juvenile justice system attempts to do everything possible to help children avoid future criminal activity. Judges and court officials in these cases usually focus on rehabilitation, and while minors may face penalties, they will also be provided with different forms of treatment when necessary. In most cases, steps are taken to ensure that mistakes made while a child was still developing will not follow them into their adult lives and limit their opportunities to pursue education or employment.

Rather than charging children with criminal offenses, the juvenile justice system will determine whether they have been delinquent. An adjudication of juvenile delinquency is different from a criminal conviction, and the records related to a juvenile case will be automatically sealed when a minor reaches adulthood. Depending on the severity of the alleged offense, the child's previous record of delinquency, and other factors, a judge may impose different types of penalties on a child who is adjudicated delinquent, including:

• Placing the child on probation with certain restrictions, such as the requirement to attend school, receive counseling, avoid associating with certain people, or remain confined at home when not at school or working.
• Requiring the child to complete community service or pay restitution to those who were affected by delinquency.
• Requiring the child to receive treatment for substance abuse or other forms of psychological treatment or counseling.
• Placing the child in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). If necessary, DCFS may place the child in a group home or foster home.
• Sentencing the child to juvenile detention. If necessary, a period of detention may continue until the child reaches the age of 21.

Juvenile law cases may involve multiple types of alleged offenses, including theft/shoplifting, vandalism, other property crimes, drug crimes, or assault and battery. In rare cases, minors may be tried as adults, and a case may be transferred from the juvenile justice system to adult criminal courts. These cases usually involve especially serious offenses, such as violent crimes or sex crimes. Children who are tried and convicted as adults will face more serious penalties, including potential jail sentences in adult prisons.

Contact Our Will County Juvenile Law Attorneys

When a minor is arrested for violating the law, parents will need to understand the best steps they can take to protect the rights of their child. At Reeder & Brown, P.C., we understand the importance of providing effective representation for minors who are involved in juvenile delinquency proceedings. We strive to ensure that children in these situations can defend themselves against false accusations and avoid penalties that will affect their lives in the future. If you need help navigating the juvenile justice system in Will County or other surrounding counties, please do not hesitate to contact us today by calling 815-885-5980. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations, and we are here to provide personalized guidance to help your family get through this difficult time as smoothly as possible.