DuPage County Juvenile Crime Attorneys
Defending Youth Charged with Juvenile Offenses in Bloomingdale, St. Charles, and Throughout Illinois
When a minor under the age of 17 commits a crime, he/she is usually tried within the juvenile court system. Juvenile courts are separate from adult courts and are generally geared more toward intervention and rehabilitation. Also, punishments are less severe in juvenile court than adult court. However, they can still be quite harsh and have an adverse impact on your future. If you or 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 your rights.
At Mevorah Law Offices LLC, we have several decades of combined experience representing minors charged with juvenile offenses in Chicago 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 within the 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 you. 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 you are charged with a juvenile offense, there is a lot at stake. A negative outcome could cost you your freedom and limit your future options, and we are committed to doing everything possible to prevent that from happening.
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;
- Arson;
- Vandalism;
- Criminal Trespassing; and
- Homicide.
Consequences for Juvenile Crimes in Illinois
Minors age 17 or under who are charged with a misdemeanor are tried in juvenile court. Minors age 16 or under who are charged with a felony are usually tried in juvenile court as well. However, there are some instances (such as when charged with a violent crime), that a juvenile may be tried as an adult. 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 charges, right to an attorney, right to remain silent and the right to confront and question witnesses. The main difference is juvenile cases are tried before a judge rather than a jury of peers.
Arresting officers do not always handle juvenile cases 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 Law Offices LLC, 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 630-932-9100630-932-9100.
