Somerville Juvenile Crimes Lawyer

Somerville Juvenile Crimes Attorney

If your son or daughter, who is under the age of 18, is charged with a criminal offense, they will be prosecuted in the Family Division of the Somerset County Superior Court as a juvenile. While the juvenile justice system is more focused on rehabilitation and fostering responsibility, the consequences of a conviction can still be impactful. It is vital to have an experienced Somerville juvenile crimes lawyer on your side to assist with your child’s defense.

In fact, you may be required as a parent or guardian to hire a criminal defense lawyer for your child, unless the case is a relatively minor matter. At Wronko & Loewen, we are here to help families from the quiet streets of Raritan to the neighborhoods around Bridgewater.

Our lawyers have over 50 combined years representing juveniles in Somerville, New Jersey who face a variety of criminal charges. If your child is charged or is being investigated for an offense contact the attorneys at Wronko & Loewen, where we have the ability and expertise to successfully resolve the case.

Common Juvenile Crime Charges in Somerville

Though there has been a 75% decline in juvenile incarceration across the United States in the last 20 years, many offenses are still committed by today’s youth. At Wronko & Loewen, our attorneys have routinely represented supposed juvenile offenders who have been charged with the following crimes:

• Drug use or possession. When an individual is found guilty of possession and/or use of any kind of illegal drug, they can face severe penalties, including a permanent criminal record. These drugs might include ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, acid, PCP, or methamphetamine.
• Underage drinking and driving. New Jersey operates with a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking and driving. This means that if you are under the legal drinking age of 21 and blow a blood alcohol content level of anything above 0.00, you may be taken into police custody and charged with driving while impaired, or a DWI.
• Shoplifting or similar offenses. For many youths, some of their first run-ins with the law will involve an instance of shoplifting, burglary, robbery, or another theft-related offense.
• Trespassing or vandalism. Another common juvenile charge faced by youth in New Jersey is trespassing and/or vandalism. Hiring an attorney to defend your child can help avoid consequences that could impact your child’s future for years to come.
• Computer or internet-related crimes. There are several computer or internet-related crimes that your child could be charged with in Somerville. These can include credit card fraud, stalking, bullying, online harassment, hacking, or identity theft.

FAQs About Somerville, NJ Juvenile Crimes Laws

When Can a Juvenile Be Charged as an Adult in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, there are two conditions that can allow a juvenile to be charged as an adult. The child must be at least 15 years old, and the charges must include a serious offense. Common serious offenses include carjacking, criminal homicide, aggravated arson, kidnapping, serious drug-related crimes, first-degree robbery, and sexual assault.

What Are the Typical Penalties for a Juvenile Crime in Somerville?

In Somerville, the kinds of penalties your child might face for a juvenile crime conviction will likely depend on the nature of the charges brought against them and the severity of the alleged crime. Most convictions can result in some combination of fines, probation, community service, detention, or, in the most serious cases, potential jail or prison time.

What Defenses Can Protect My Child in NJ?

Depending on the nature and severity of the crime your child has allegedly committed in New Jersey, there are several different kinds of defenses that may help protect them. The most common defenses include a lack of actual criminal intent, a lack of evidence in the case, a mistaken identity, a false accusation, or entrapment. An attorney may also assert that your child was acting in self-defense or in the defense of others.

Will the Courts Detain My Child in a Juvenile Case?

There are several factors the courts may consider when deciding whether to detain a child in New Jersey. These factors include whether the child has any kind of prior criminal history, the seriousness of the alleged crime, if the child has any psychological or medical issues, and any other information regarding the child’s own safety or the threat they pose to others.

Speak With a Trusted and Compassionate Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

If your child has been charged with a crime in Somerville, NJ, it is vital that you retain an attorney as soon as possible. At Wronko & Loewen, our attorneys are here to take the legal action necessary to protect your child and their rights from the court system. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation.