Juvenile Crimes Attorney in Minneapolis

Guarding Your Minor Child’s Rights in Minnesota After a Juvenile Crime Charge

Minnesota has a very unique system when it comes to juvenile crimes. When someone under the age of 18 commits a crime, the goal is to correct the bad behavior. This correction is done through programs that are offered to the child and their parents. The idea is to keep the child at home while intervention is taking place, rather than place the child in a facility.

While the term is rather harsh, anyone under the age of 18 who commits a crime is considered a "juvenile delinquent." Although a crime may have been committed, it is referred to as an "act of delinquency," although the charges can be the same as the charges placed upon an adult.

If your child is facing a  juvenile crime charge, let our team at Meshbesher & Student, P.A. provide tailored and comprehensive support. We understand the worries you are likely facing and can provide a strong defense as we guide you throughout the legal process.

Let our juvenile crimes lawyer in Minneapolis, MN, handle your case. Contact Meshbesher & Student at (612) 200-1526 today for aggressive juvenile crime defense.

Common Types of Juvenile Crime Cases

Parents often want to know what kinds of situations typically lead to juvenile charges in the Minneapolis area. Juvenile cases can arise from incidents at school, conflicts in the community, or encounters with law enforcement in places like downtown Minneapolis or neighborhood parks. Our juvenile criminal defense attorney in Minneapolis can explain the specific charge, potential consequences, and whether the case is likely to remain in the juvenile system or risk being treated more like an adult matter.

Some common juvenile charges include:

• Theft
• Disorderly conduct
• Curfew violations
• Assault
• Alcohol offenses
• Vandalism

By speaking with a juvenile defense lawyer in Minneapolis, you can better understand whether diversion programs, counseling, or community-based options may be available and how to position your child to take advantage of those opportunities.

Juvenile Court Penalties

It is possible for a child to be too young for their charge to be an act of delinquency. The court will determine what kind of services will benefit the child. However, the procedural rights used in juvenile cases are the same as those used in adult cases. This means that proof needs to be produced that demonstrates the child committed the crime. Just as they can for adults, a Minnesota juvenile defense attorney can have the charges dismissed or reduced for a minor. Fortunately, a person's juvenile record is closed upon turning 18 in most cases. This means that upon becoming a legal adult, their record is clean and they do not have to worry about the inability to get a job or find a place to live.

Here are some of the potential consequences of a juvenile crime:

• Community service
• Probation
• Home confinement
• Restitution
• Work squad
• Treatment programs
• Loss of driving privileges
• Counseling
• Placement in a detention facility

Placement in some kind of detention facility is a last resort. However, the goal is to reunite the juvenile with his or her parents. How long a child is taken out of the home depends upon the offense that was committed and the juvenile’s needs. Previous offenses also have an influence.

What Is Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction?

Extended juvenile jurisdiction is reserved for those juveniles who are severe offenders. These crimes are so severe that the juvenile is tried as an adult. In these cases, the court has jurisdiction over the minor until the age of 21 instead of the age of 18. If a violation of probation occurs, then the offender can serve adult prison time.

Comprehensive Juvenile Crimes Defense in Minneapolis

If you are the parent of a juvenile accused of a crime, you do not have to be alone. Remember that your child is innocent until proven guilty. Even if a crime was committed, the consequences do not have to be harsh. The charges can be reduced and a compassionate yet aggressive Minneapolis juvenile crimes attorney can help you pursue a positive resolution. We want to help your child maintain a bright future.

To learn more about how our juvenile criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis, MN, can support your child, schedule a free consultation with us. 

Commonly Asked Questions

Do Juvenile Crimes Impact College Admissions?

Yes, juvenile offenses can affect college admissions, though the impact varies depending on the nature of the crime, how old you were at the time, and whether the record has been sealed or expunged. However, Minnesota law allows for certain juvenile records to be sealed, which can help minimize long-term consequences.

How Can a Minneapolis Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney Help?