Experienced Defense Against Juvenile Charges
When your child faces criminal charges in Reading, the fear and confusion can be overwhelming. The juvenile justice system operates differently from adult criminal court, with its own rules, procedures, and goals. While the system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, the consequences of juvenile charges can still impact your child’s future for years to come. At Nevins & McAllister, our juvenile crime lawyers in Reading, PA understand what’s at stake and work tirelessly to protect your child’s rights and future.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System
Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system handles cases involving minors under age 18 who are accused of committing delinquent acts. The system’s stated purpose is rehabilitation rather than punishment, focusing on guiding young people back onto the right path. However, this rehabilitative focus doesn’t mean the system is lenient or that charges should be taken lightly.
Juvenile cases proceed through a specialized court system with unique terminology and procedures. Understanding how this system works is essential to protecting your child’s interests. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience navigating juvenile court and know how to achieve the best possible outcomes for young clients.
How Juvenile Court Differs from Adult Court
Several key differences distinguish juvenile proceedings from adult criminal cases. Juvenile hearings are typically closed to the public, protecting your child’s privacy. Instead of a jury trial, cases are decided by a judge in what’s called an adjudication hearing. If found delinquent (the juvenile equivalent of guilty), your child receives a disposition (similar to sentencing) focused on treatment and rehabilitation.
The terminology reflects this different approach. Children aren’t “arrested” but “taken into custody.” They’re not “convicted” but “adjudicated delinquent.” These distinctions matter because they reflect the system’s rehabilitative philosophy and affect how records are maintained and accessed.
Common Juvenile Crimes in Reading
Young people in Reading face charges for a wide range of alleged offenses. Understanding the specific charge your child faces is the first step in building an effective defense strategy.
Theft and Shoplifting
Theft charges, including shoplifting from Reading’s retail stores, are among the most common juvenile offenses. Many young people make impulsive decisions without fully understanding the consequences. Even first-time shoplifting can result in juvenile court involvement, restitution requirements, and a delinquency record.
Our lawyers work to minimize the impact of theft charges, often securing diversionary programs or informal adjustments that keep cases out of court entirely. We emphasize to prosecutors and judges that a single mistake shouldn’t define a young person’s future.
Drug Possession and Alcohol Violations
Pennsylvania takes underage substance use seriously. Charges can range from simple possession of marijuana or alcohol to more serious drug distribution allegations. These cases often arise from school incidents, traffic stops, or parties where police are called.
Drug charges carry particularly serious consequences for juveniles, potentially affecting college admissions, financial aid eligibility, and future employment. Just as we handle adult drug crimes, we approach juvenile drug cases with a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the legal charges and underlying issues.
Assault and Fighting
Physical altercations between teenagers can result in assault charges. Whether the incident occurred at school, at a party, or in public, law enforcement and school officials often refer these matters to juvenile court. The severity of charges depends on the extent of injuries, whether weapons were involved, and the circumstances surrounding the fight.
School fights present particular challenges because schools have their own disciplinary processes that run parallel to the juvenile justice system. We coordinate our defense strategy to address both school and legal consequences.
Vandalism and Criminal Mischief
Property damage, graffiti, and vandalism charges frequently involve groups of teenagers. Even if your child played a minor role or was simply present when others damaged property, they may face charges. Prosecutors must prove your child’s specific involvement, and we challenge vague allegations that lack evidence of actual participation.
Underage DUI
Young drivers charged with DUI face enhanced penalties compared to adults. Pennsylvania has zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in charges. These cases proceed through juvenile court but carry administrative consequences including license suspension.
Our experience with adult DUI cases, including first DUI offenses, informs our approach to juvenile DUI defense. We examine field sobriety testing procedures, breathalyzer accuracy, and the legality of the traffic stop to identify defense opportunities.
Consequences of Juvenile Charges
While the juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation, the consequences of delinquency adjudications can be significant and long-lasting. Understanding what your child faces helps you make informed decisions about their defense.
Immediate Consequences
Juveniles adjudicated delinquent may face detention in juvenile facilities, probation supervision, community service requirements, restitution payments, and mandatory counseling or treatment programs. The court can also restrict your child’s activities, impose curfews, and require regular check-ins with probation officers.
In serious cases, judges can order placement in residential treatment facilities or secure detention centers. These placements separate children from their families and communities for extended periods, potentially disrupting education and development.
Long-Term Impact
Juvenile records can affect your child’s future opportunities even though they’re not public criminal records. Some juvenile adjudications must be disclosed on college applications or job applications that specifically ask about delinquency history. Certain professional licenses may be difficult to obtain with juvenile records.
Most concerning, juvenile adjudications can enhance penalties if your child faces charges as an adult later. Courts consider juvenile history during sentencing in adult cases, and some juvenile adjudications make individuals ineligible for diversionary programs like the ARD program in adult DUI cases.
Transfer to Adult Court
Pennsylvania law allows certain serious offenses to be transferred from juvenile court to adult criminal court. If your child is charged with serious crimes like homicide or aggravated assault, or if they’re over age 14 and have a significant prior record, prosecutors may seek to have the case heard in adult court.
Transfer to adult court is one of the most serious developments in a juvenile case. Adult convictions carry felony records that can never be sealed, along with potentially lengthy prison sentences. Fighting transfer motions requires experienced legal representation that understands both juvenile and adult criminal systems.
Defense Strategies for Juvenile Cases
Every juvenile case requires a tailored defense strategy based on the specific charges, evidence, and circumstances. Our juvenile crime lawyers in Reading, PA develop comprehensive approaches that protect your child’s rights while working toward the best possible outcome.
Challenging the Evidence
Like any criminal case, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize the evidence against your child, looking for weaknesses, inconsistencies, and constitutional violations. Many juvenile cases rely heavily on statements from other teenagers, which may be unreliable or motivated by self-interest.
We examine whether law enforcement properly advised your child of their rights before questioning. Many young people don’t understand they can refuse to answer questions or request an attorney. If police violated your child’s constitutional rights, we file suppression motions to exclude improperly obtained evidence.
Negotiating Diversionary Programs
Pennsylvania offers various diversionary programs that can keep juvenile cases out of formal court proceedings. Consent decrees allow first-time offenders to avoid adjudication by completing probation and meeting specific requirements. Informal adjustments provide even less formal resolution for minor offenses.
We leverage our relationships with juvenile probation officers and prosecutors to secure placement in these programs when appropriate. Successfully completing a diversionary program typically results in charges being dismissed, leaving your child without a delinquency record.
Advocating for Rehabilitation
When adjudication is unavoidable, we focus on securing dispositions that emphasize treatment and support rather than punishment. We present evidence of your child’s strengths, positive attributes, and willingness to accept responsibility and make changes.
This often involves coordinating with mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, and educational advocates to develop comprehensive plans that address underlying issues. Courts respond positively when they see families taking proactive steps to help their children.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Timing matters in juvenile cases. Early intervention by an attorney can prevent charges from being filed or keep cases in diversionary programs rather than formal court proceedings. Once we’re involved, we can communicate with police, probation officers, and prosecutors on your child’s behalf, protecting them from making statements that could be used against them.
Some parents mistakenly believe their child should face consequences alone or that hiring a lawyer sends the wrong message. In reality, securing legal representation demonstrates you take the situation seriously and want to ensure your child receives fair treatment within the system.
The juvenile justice system moves quickly. Initial hearings often occur within days of charges being filed, and critical decisions about detention and case direction happen early in the process. Waiting to hire an attorney can mean missed opportunities to influence the trajectory of your child’s case.
How Juvenile Records Affect Family Law Matters
Juvenile involvement can complicate existing family law situations. If you’re dealing with child custody disputes or custody modifications, a child’s delinquency charges may become relevant to custody determinations. Courts consider children’s best interests, and juvenile system involvement can influence how judges view custody arrangements.
Similarly, if you’re navigating protection from abuse matters or domestic violence cases involving teenagers, criminal charges can intersect with family court proceedings in complex ways. Our experience in both criminal defense and family law allows us to coordinate strategies across multiple legal matters affecting your family.
Why Choose Nevins & McAllister for Juvenile Defense
Representing young people requires more than just legal knowledge. It demands understanding adolescent development, communicating effectively with teenagers, and recognizing that juveniles have different needs and capabilities than adult clients. Our attorneys have the experience and temperament to work effectively with young clients and their families.
We understand the Reading juvenile court system, including local probation practices, available treatment programs, and judicial tendencies. This local knowledge helps us anticipate how cases will unfold and identify opportunities others might miss.
Perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about the young people we represent. We recognize that teenagers make mistakes and that one bad decision shouldn’t derail their entire future. We fight aggressively to protect their interests while helping them understand the seriousness of their situation and the importance of making better choices going forward.
Protecting Your Child’s Future
A juvenile charge is frightening for any parent, but it doesn’t have to define your child’s life. With experienced legal representation, many young people move past their mistakes and go on to successful, productive lives. The key is taking immediate action to protect their rights and interests.
At Nevins & McAllister, we’ve helped countless families navigate the juvenile justice system in Reading and throughout Berks County. We know what’s at stake, and we’re committed to achieving outcomes that give your child the best chance for a bright future.
Don’t let your child face these charges alone. The juvenile justice system is complex, and the consequences are too serious to navigate without experienced legal guidance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our juvenile crime lawyers in Reading, PA. We’ll review your child’s case, explain their options, and develop a strategy to protect their future. Your child deserves a strong advocate, and we’re ready to fight for them.