If you are a parent of a juvenile who has been accused of a crime, you may be wondering what to do next. You may be concerned about the possibility of your child going to jail or being placed on probation. You may also be worried about how a criminal record will affect your child’s future. The good news is that you have options. You can hire a New Jersey juvenile crime attorney to help your child navigate the juvenile justice system and fight for their rights.
These are some of their roles you should know:
- a) To Investigate the Case
The first thing that a juvenile crime attorney will do is investigate the case. This includes talking to witnesses, reviewing police reports, and looking at any other evidence that may be relevant to the case. The goal of this investigation is to find out what happened and to identify any possible defenses that your child may have.
- b) To Negotiate with the Prosecutor
Once the investigation is complete, the next step is negotiating with the prosecutor. This negotiation aims to get the charges against your child reduced or dropped altogether. In some cases, this may mean agreeing to a plea deal. In other cases, it may mean taking the case to trial.
When it comes to hiring a lawyer, you want to make sure the following are achieved:
1-The lawyer has experience in handling juvenile crime cases
Did you know that most states have different laws when it comes to juveniles? This means that an attorney who only practices criminal law in New Jersey may not be familiar with the juvenile justice system. You want to make sure you hire a lawyer who has experience handling juvenile crime cases specifically. This way, they will know how to represent your child’s interests best and fight for their rights.
2-You feel comfortable with the lawyer
This is an essential factor to consider when hiring any lawyer. You want to make sure you hire someone you feel comfortable talking to and who you feel confident will represent your child’s best interests. This means taking the time to meet with a few different lawyers before making a decision.
3-The lawyer is affordable
While you want to make sure you hire a competent and experienced lawyer, you also want to make sure you can afford their services. This means taking the time to compare rates and fees before making a decision.
4-The lawyer has a good reputation
You want to make sure the lawyer you hire has a good reputation. This means asking around to see what other parents of accused juveniles have to say about the lawyer. You can also check online reviews and ratings to understand what other people think about the lawyer’s services.
5-The lawyer is available when you need them
You want to ensure the lawyer you hire is available when you need them. This means asking about their availability and whether or not they offer after-hours or weekend services.
If your child has been accused of a crime, don’t wait to call a New Jersey juvenile crime attorney. The sooner you get started, the better chance you have of protecting your child’s rights and future; click here for more information.