Grand Rapids Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyer

Has your child been arrested?

 Juvenile crimes are often the same crimes that adults get arrested for: violent crimes such as robbery, rape, arson, auto theft, vandalism, burglary, theft, weapons possession,  drug and alcohol offenses, prostitution, and status crimes (crimes made illegal due to the age of the child) such as curfew violations, running away, truancy, smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, gang related activity.  Having a police officer show up at the door and telling you that your child has just been arrested may be a parent's worst nightmare.  All kinds of emotions and questions may be running through your mind at this time - Is my child OK?  What did he do?  Am I partly to blame for his behavior?  What do I do now?  If your child is under 17, juvenile criminal charges may be brought against him/her.  One of the first things you must do is hire a competent attorney to represent your child.  A Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney who has many years of experience with the Michigan juvenile justice system may be able to provide the caring yet strong defense your child is entitled to.

The Michigan Juvenile Justice System

When the juvenile justice system first began, the emphasis was all about rehabilitation and really trying to help the child.  Today, though some aspects of this remain, it is run more like a criminal court system with tough prosecutors and potentially tougher sentences.  A prosecutor may request that if the crime is serious and your child is over the age of 14, that the case be "waived" up to an adult court.  A very recent report by the organization Human Rights Watch shows that Michigan ranks number 2 in the U.S. with 346 youths in prison serving a life sentences.  It is in your child's best interest for his case to remain in the juvenile court system, where the case will be adjudicated, and the punishment is much more likely to fit the crime.  Our team of attorneys at the Fiorletta Law Group has a good track record of persuading the court to allow juvenile cases to remain in the juvenile justice system where they belong.

Contact a Grand Rapids Juvenile Crimes Lawyer to review the criminal charges your child may be facing.