For 24/7 Help, Call:212-627-3184

New York City Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Parents often feel overwhelmed when their child has been charged with a crime. Whether they acted on impulse, made a poor decision, or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, the outcome of their case could have a significant impact on their future.

Your child’s case may be tried in family court for lesser offenses or as a youthful offender in the supreme court. For very serious offenses, he or she may be tried in a special branch of the supreme court. The system is confusing for parents and it can be extremely difficult to know what to do. NYC juvenile defense lawyer Cody Warner can help you navigate your child’s charges so that, together, you can take action to protect their future. 

Common Juvenile Offenses

NYC juvenile criminal defense lawyer Cody Warner has handled a wide variety of juvenile offenses. He recognizes the importance of compassionate, dedicated legal representation so that your child can put their charges behind them. Prosecutors can be aggressive and push for quick verdicts with harsh sentences.

Cody Warner will make sure that your child is treated fairly. He focuses on obtaining the best possible result, whether that means seeking a prompt dismissal of the charges or taking your child’s case to trial. He works with parents and children by helping everyone understand the options so that you and your family can make an informed decision. Cody has the knowledge and experience to help you no matter what charges your child may be facing, including the following: 

If your child has been charged with a crime, the sooner you contact an experienced NYC juvenile criminal defense lawyer, the better your chances that your child will get a fair result. 

What Parents Need to Know About Juvenile Crimes

The Location Where Your Child’s Case Will Be Tried

Depending on the alleged offense, your child could be tried in family court or in criminal court. They could face probation or placement in a juvenile detention facility or simply face a warning. They may be prosecuted by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) or Child Protective Services (CPS). If your child has been charged with a serious offense and is 13 or older, his or her case may be tried in adult criminal court. Less serious offenses for children 16 and 17 years of age may be heard in a special branch of the criminal court. 

The process is arguably much more confusing than the process in adult criminal cases, especially for parents who are on the outside looking in and worried for the future of their child. Being able to effectively navigate the process is vital to a fair outcome, but an NYC juvenile criminal defense lawyer can help.

Your Child Needs a Defense Attorney After Being Charged with a Crime 

Every criminal defendant, including children, has the right to be represented by an attorney throughout the entire process. The prosecutor may make it sound like they want what is best for your child, but they are representing the state of New York. They are focused on getting a conviction as quickly as possible so that they can move on to the next case. 

An NYC juvenile attorney is wholly on your child’s side. They can ensure that your child’s rights are protected, that they receive fair treatment, and that they get the best possible outcome. They can evaluate the prosecution’s case and identify potential weaknesses that could support a dismissal or acquittal. Perhaps more importantly, they can help you make informed decisions about how to proceed in your child’s case. 

Your Child May Not Be Immediately Released to You

Once your child is charged, they will be interviewed by an officer. The probation officer will make a determination as to whether to file formal charges. Your child will be released to you if they decide not to file formal charges. 

If your child is charged with a crime, they must attend an initial hearing before a judge. The judge will then decide if the child may be released while the case is pending. They will consider factors such as the severity of the charges, the environment the child is being released to, and whether your child has a prior record. 

An NYC juvenile defense lawyer can help as soon as your child is charged. Cody will immediately begin corresponding with the probation officer, and is available to represent your child at the initial hearing to argue that they should be released to your custody. 

A Juvenile Offense Does Not Necessarily Impact Your Child’s Criminal Record

The impact of your child’s charges on his or her record will depend on whether they are charged as a juvenile delinquent, a juvenile offender, or an adolescent offender. 

Juvenile delinquents are children who are between the ages of 13 and 15 who are charged with misdemeanor offenses. If your child is found guilty as a juvenile delinquent, it will not be reflected on their criminal record. While their conviction will not follow them into adulthood, it could limit their current and future educational opportunities.

If your child is charged as a juvenile offender, however, a conviction will be reflected on their permanent criminal record. Juvenile offenders are children between the ages of 13 and 15 who are charged with serious or violent felonies. 

In New York, 16 and 17-year-old children who are charged with felonies are charged as adolescent offenders. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be able to transfer your case to family court where they will be tried as a juvenile delinquent. 

It is not unusual for children to be charged with felonies when a misdemeanor charge would be more appropriate. The difference can change your child’s life forever. Whatever charges your child may be facing, a NYC juvenile defense lawyer can protect your child’s future by ensuring that they are given fair treatment. 

Underage Drinking and Driving Amongst the Most Common Juvenile Crimes

The standard blood alcohol content (BAC) in DWI cases is .08%. Drivers under the age of 21, however, can be charged with DWI with a BAC of as low as .02%. Referred to as “per se” DWI law, this means your child can be charged with DWI after having only one drink and even if they are not impaired.

Strictly speaking, a per se DWI charge for underage drivers is not a criminal charge. While this may come as a relief, a conviction will still be on their permanent record. And, unlike a juvenile delinquency conviction, it will be public, which means their conviction could jeopardize college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and future employment prospects. 

Your child’s case will be scheduled for an administrative hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If it is found that they did drive while under the influence of alcohol, a mandatory six-month suspension of their license will be imposed, and they will be required to pay monetary fines and other fees.

However, if their BAC was .05% or higher, they could face more serious consequences, including jail, a criminal conviction, and probation. If they were driving under the influence of drugs and were arrested with drugs in their possession, they would also face drug charges. They could also face additional charges if they caused an accident or property damage while driving under the influence.

Charges involving underage drinking and driving are taken very seriously. Your child will not be given the benefit of the doubt, even if the evidence doesn’t necessarily support the charge. An NY juvenile criminal defense attorney can explain the potential consequences your child faces and provide them with an aggressive defense. 

Get Advice from a NYC Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

It is a harrowing experience to have a child facing criminal charges. The situation can seem hopeless and it is common for parents to feel totally lost. The possibility that your child could face incarceration, a criminal record, and other consequences can be terrifying. 

NYC juvenile criminal defense lawyer Cody Warner understands what you are going through. He helps his clients by helping them take control of a situation that seems out of control. He will answer all of your questions and help you understand your options. He engages you and your child in the process of developing your child’s defense so that you always know what is happening and can make informed decisions at every step. The sooner you contact Cody, the sooner you can find a solution. Call or email him today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your child’s charges.    

helping clients throughout all 5 boroughs

contact now

Criminal Defense