Lombard Juvenile Crime Attorney
Defending Youth Charged with Juvenile Offenses in DuPage County and Surrounding Cities
When a minor under the age of 17 is accused of committing a crime, he or she is usually tried within the juvenile court system. Juvenile courts are separate from adult courts, and they are generally geared more toward intervention and rehabilitation. Also, punishments are usually less severe in juvenile court than adult court. However, the penalties a minor can face can still be quite harsh, and they can have an adverse impact on their future. If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, it is essential to have an experienced juvenile offenses attorney in your corner fighting to protect their rights.
At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have several decades of combined experience representing minors charged with juvenile offenses in Chicagoland and throughout northern Illinois. Our award-winning lawyers are former prosecutors and public defenders with in-depth experience successfully litigating all types of criminal cases in juvenile and adult courts. Our unique prosecutorial experience gives us extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the court system and how the government will build their case against an alleged offender. This allows us to craft the most effective defense strategy to secure a positive outcome in your case.
We have been recognized not only for our experience and skill, but also for our aggressive advocacy on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys are honest, straightforward, responsive, and down to earth. We understand that when a person is charged with a juvenile offense, there is a lot at stake. A negative outcome could cost their freedom and limit their future options, and we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent that from happening.
Defense in Multiple Types of Juvenile Delinquency Cases
We provide aggressive defense for all types of juvenile offenses, including but not limited to:
- Underage DUI;
- Drug Crimes;
- Sex Crimes;
- Property Crimes (such as Shoplifting and Retail Theft);
- Assault and Battery;
- Teen Traffic Violations;
- Arson;
- Vandalism;
- Criminal Trespassing; and
- Homicide.
Consequences for Juvenile Crimes in Illinois
Minors age 17 or under who are charged with misdemeanor offenses are typically tried in juvenile court. Minors age 16 or under who are charged with felonies are usually tried in juvenile court as well. However, there are some instances where a juvenile may be tried as an adult, such as when a person is accused of a violent crime. Penalties for convictions in juvenile court may include fines, probation, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, juvenile detention. If tried in the adult criminal court system, penalties may include heavier fines and extended jail time.
When charged with a crime, juveniles have the same constitutional rights as adults. First and foremost, the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In addition, juveniles have the right to be notified of the charges against them, the right to be represented by an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront and question witnesses. The main difference in juvenile cases is that they are tried before a judge rather than a jury.
Contact Our Naperville Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers
Arresting officers do not always handle juvenile cases in the way they should. Because minors are often intimidated by law enforcement, they are sometimes manipulated into making statements they would not have made if there had been a parent or attorney present. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we thoroughly analyze the procedures used by law enforcement to obtain statements and evidence, and we put our experience to work to identify any and all constitutional violations. For a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois juvenile offenses lawyers, contact our office today at 630-932-9100.