Juvenile Crime Lawyers in Suffolk County

There are few things more frightening for a parent than to learn that their child has been charged with a crime. Unfortunately, this is not all too uncommon, but if you find yourself in this situation, you should strongly consider reaching out to our knowledgeable Suffolk County juvenile crime lawyers at once. Contact Castro & Trodden, LLC to learn more about how our legal team can assist you.

Suffolk County Juvenile Crime Lawyers: Defending Your Child

Here at Castro & Trodden, LLC, we understand that your job as a parent is to protect your child. Unfortunately, when a child faces criminal penalties, the only person who can truly help is an experienced Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer. Our firm is on your child’s side.

Juvenile Cases in New York

Understand that if your child is 16 years old or younger, he or she will most likely be treated as a juvenile. As you can imagine, juvenile cases are not handled the same as adult cases. The juvenile process in NYS is, typically, as follows:

A prosecutor will file a petition against the child.
A judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations made against the child at a fact-finding hearing.
If there is insufficient evidence, the judge will dismiss the case. If there is compelling evidence, the judge will further investigate the child’s behavior at home and in school.
In certain cases, mental health services can order an evaluation of a child.
Finally, the court will decide whether the juvenile should be released into his/her parent’s custody or detained until the court makes a final decision.

When a Juvenile is Tried As an Adult in NYS

In most cases, juveniles are tried as juveniles. However, those who are 13 years and older may be tried as adults if they commit certain crimes that the courts deem serious enough. The prosecutor’s office and the juvenile judge may determine that a child’s case should be waived up to adult court if the child allegedly committed any of the following crimes:

Armed robbery
Assault
Murder
Serious drug offenses
Rape

In these cases, a child especially has a lot on the line, including jail time, high fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our experienced Suffolk County juvenile crime lawyers can fight for a reverse waiver, which, if granted, can send your child’s charges back down to Family Court. You should note that in New York State, any child facing criminal charges must have legal representation. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a public defender, free of charge, however, you should note that the standard for a public defender is typically very high, and seldom offered.

Contact Our Long Island Juvenile Crime Lawyers

If your child has been charged with a crime, his or her future may be on the line. Our Suffolk County juvenile crime lawyers are prepared to fight for your child’s rights. Contact Castro & Trodden, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our competent and aggressive legal team.