Brooklyn Juvenile Crime Lawyer
Counsel from a Proven Brooklyn Criminal Defense Attorney
It is always unfortunate when a child is charged with a crime. In New York, there are a number of different procedures and laws in place to address this occurrence. Children can be tried in family court, rather than criminal court. Juvenile crimes are addressed in this court to allow a judge to render a decision regarding the child's delinquency, rather than a jury, with the age of the offender in mind.
Family court is different from criminal court. It has its own unique terms and procedures and it takes a knowledgeable Brooklyn juvenile crime attorney to navigate these types of cases. Attorney Sidney is well-versed in the family court process and has counseled numerous families to swift and agreeable outcomes in the wake of a juvenile crime.
If your child has been accused of a crime, don't hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Lowell J. Sidney today and schedule your free consultation.
Juvenile Delinquency Criteria
In family court, a finding of "delinquency" is the equivalent of a guilty verdict in adult criminal court. The prosecution, called the "presentment agency," will try to prove the child's delinquency on behalf of the state and any victims involved.
To be classified as a delinquent, you must:
- Be at least seven years old
- Be under 16 years old
- Have committed an act classified by NY criminal statutes
- Be found in need of supervision, confinement, or treatment
If child is at least 13 and has committed an especially serious crime, a judge may see fit that they be tried as an adult. This would classify the child as a "juvenile offender" and make them vulnerable to more severe penalties.
Don't Face Juvenile Charges Alone
Some families think that facing family court is a minor procedure that doesn't require representation like more serious criminal cases. However, this is far from the truth: representation is required in all criminal cases, including juvenile ones. As a Brooklyn juvenile crime attorney, Attorney Sidney knows that your child's future is too important to trust in the hands of just anyone and can provide the dedicated defense they need during is this.
Call the firm today to discuss the details of your case.