Clark Juvenile Crimes
Our Defense Lawyers Represent Juveniles Facing All Types of Charges in Clark, NJ
In New Jersey, juveniles accused of violating the law can be charged with juvenile delinquency or face criminal charges, depending on the circumstances involved. While both scenarios present significant (and potentially long-term) risks, facing criminal charges carries the additional risks of fines and imprisonment. At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., we are committed to helping juveniles when their future (and potentially their freedom) is at stake. If you or your child is facing charges as a juvenile in Clark, elsewhere in Union County or surrounding areas, we strongly encourage you to contact us right away.
Juvenile Delinquency Cases in Clark, NJ
In most cases, juveniles—individuals under the age of 18—will be charged with “juvenile delinquency” instead of being charged with a crime when they are accused of violating the law. This has several important implications; and, generally speaking, facing charges of juvenile delinquency is less serious than facing charges for a crime. However, being “adjudicated delinquent” can still have serious consequences, including detention, probation, community service, and loss of driving privileges, among others. As a result, in all cases, experienced legal representation is required.
Juveniles can face delinquency charges in a wide range of circumstances. At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., we defend juveniles who are facing all types of delinquency charges, including (but not limited to):
- Assault and battery
- Computer-related offenses
- Drug crimes
- Robbery and burglary
- Sexual assault and other sex offenses
- Shoplifting and theft
- Trespassing and vandalism
- Underage drinking and driving
When facing any type of delinquency charge, it is crucial to consider all relevant facts. Your lawyer (or your child’s lawyer) will need to know exactly what happened in order to determine what defenses are available. This includes not only the events leading up to your (or your child’s) arrest but the events that transpired during and after your (or your child’s) arrest as well. In some cases, mistakes by police officers and prosecutors can give rise to defenses even when prosecutors have the evidence they need to secure an adjudication of delinquency in court.
When Juveniles Can Be Charged as Adults in Clark, NJ
Under New Jersey law, juveniles who are at least 15 years old can be tried as adults in criminal court when they are charged with certain serious offenses. These offenses include (but are not limited to):
- Aggravated arson
- Aggravated assault
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Murder
- Serious drug crimes
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful firearm possession
Juvenile cases and criminal cases are very different. They involve different procedures, and a “guilty” verdict can result in various consequences. At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our lawyers have extensive experience in both types of cases, and we can use our experience to effectively represent you (or your child) regardless of the charges at hand.
By default, all juveniles are prosecuted under the juvenile delinquency system in New Jersey. In order to transfer a juvenile’s case to criminal court, prosecutors must file a “waiver” within 60 days. If prosecutors file a waiver in your (or your child’s) case, our lawyers can challenge the waiver and seek to prevent a transfer. However, we can only do this if you contact us in a timely manner.
How Our Clark Juvenile Defense Lawyers Can Help
At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., we take a proactive, strategic, and comprehensive approach to defending our clients through all available means. If you (or your child) is facing juvenile or criminal charges in Clark, here are just some of the ways our juvenile defense lawyers can help:
Helping You Understand Your (or Your Child’s) Charges and the Penalties that Are On the Table
New Jersey law establishes numerous crimes, and these crimes can carry a wide range of penalties. Our lawyers can help you understand the charges that you (or your child) is facing, as well as the penalties that are on the table.
Fighting the Prosecution’s “Waiver” Request if Necessary
If prosecutors are seeking to have your (or your child’s) case transferred to criminal court, our lawyers can fight the prosecution’s “waiver” request. When evaluating these requests, judges consider a variety of different factors, and our lawyers can highlight the factors that support having your (or your child’s) case handled at the juvenile level.
Examining All Potential Defenses Based on the Facts at Hand
Regardless of the allegations against you (or your child), there are defenses available under New Jersey law. Our lawyers can examine all potential defenses based on the facts at hand and provide a realistic assessment of your (or your child’s) options and chances of success. Our lawyers will help you make an informed decision about how to proceed, and then we will do everything we can to secure a favorable result as efficiently as possible.
Providing Experienced Legal Representation in Court (and in Plea Negotiations, if Warranted)
All of our Clark juvenile defense lawyers have extensive courtroom experience, and we are fully prepared to fight for our clients at trial when necessary. But our lawyers are skilled negotiators as well. If seeking a plea bargain is the best option under the circumstances, we will work to secure a deal that protects you (or your child) while avoiding the inherent uncertainty of fighting juvenile or criminal charges in court.
Targeting a Favorable Result that Avoids Unnecessary Consequences
Ultimately, everything we do will be focused on securing a favorable result that protects you (or your child) from unnecessary consequences. We will help you make informed and confident decisions every step of the way, and we will do everything possible to secure a result that allows you and your family to move forward.
Speak with an Experienced Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Clark, NJ as Soon as Possible
If you need to speak with a juvenile defense lawyer in Clark, elsewhere in Union County, or surrounding areas, we invite you to contact us. Call 877-435-6371 or send us your contact information online to schedule a confidential consultation at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A. as soon as possible.
