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Skokie Juvenile Felony Lawyer
When a child faces felony charges, the impact can be life-altering. Unlike adults, juveniles are subject to a different set of rules under Illinois juvenile law. However, that doesn’t mean the consequences are any less severe. A conviction for a juvenile felony can affect a child’s education, career prospects, and even their personal relationships.
If your child has been arrested and charged with a felony in Skokie, you need the help of a Skokie juvenile felony lawyer. With a strong understanding of Illinois juvenile law, a defense attorney can work to protect your child’s future, reduce charges, and avoid the long-term consequences of a felony conviction. Contact a lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and discuss how to move forward.
How Are Juvenile Felony Cases Handled in Illinois?
Juvenile felony cases differ significantly from adult criminal cases. Illinois juvenile law prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, but that doesn’t mean the process is lenient. If a juvenile is accused of committing a crime, they may be tried in juvenile court. However, in some cases involving serious crimes, the prosecutor may seek to have the juvenile tried as an adult.
Key differences between juvenile and adult cases include:
- Age matters – Juvenile cases typically apply to individuals under the age of 18, but there are exceptions where juveniles as young as 13 can be tried as adults for violent crimes like rape or aggravated assault.
- Focus on rehabilitation – Unlike adult cases that focus on punishment, juvenile court prioritizes rehabilitation and education.
- Different sentencing – Sentences for juveniles are often less harsh than for adults. However, in serious cases, a child may still face detention in a juvenile correctional facility.
If your child is facing charges in the juvenile justice system, you need to act quickly. With the help of a juvenile lawyer, you can work to ensure the case stays in juvenile court and avoid the harsh consequences of being tried as an adult.
Common Juvenile Felony Crimes in Skokie
Juveniles can be charged with the same offenses as adults. However, certain crimes are more common in juvenile cases. Here are some of the most frequently charged offenses for juveniles:
- Drug crimes – Possession, distribution, or intent to sell drugs are serious charges for juveniles, especially if the amount of drugs is large.
- DUI – Driving under the influence is a significant charge for underage drivers. Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
- Violent crimes – Assault, battery, and even rape charges can be filed against juveniles. If the charges are severe, the prosecutor may attempt to transfer the case to adult court.
- Theft and burglary – Juveniles charged with shoplifting, retail theft, or burglary could face felony charges, especially if large amounts of property are involved.
- Weapons offenses – Possession of illegal firearms or other dangerous weapons can lead to serious charges for minors.
No matter the offense, every child accused of a felony deserves a fair defense. Juvenile lawyers can help defend against these charges and ensure the child’s age and unique situation are considered during legal proceedings.
The Role of a Skokie Juvenile Felony Lawyer
The role of a Skokie juvenile felony lawyer is to ensure that the juvenile receives fair treatment in court and to prevent harsh penalties that could follow them for life. With the help of a defense attorney, your child’s rights will be protected throughout the legal process.
Key responsibilities of a juvenile lawyer include:
- Case review – Reviewing the facts of the case to identify flaws in the evidence or procedural errors by the police.
- Representation in court – Representing the juvenile during court appearances and ensuring their side of the story is presented.
- Negotiating with prosecutors – Juvenile lawyers often work with prosecutors to negotiate alternative outcomes, like rehabilitation programs, community service, or counseling.
- Protecting the child’s record – A felony conviction can create a permanent record, but in many cases, lawyers can help minimize the long-term consequences of this.
A juvenile felony charge can disrupt the child’s education, cause emotional stress for the family, and limit future opportunities. With an attorney’s help, you can work to protect your child’s future and ensure that they receive fair treatment in Illinois’ juvenile justice system.
What Happens if a Juvenile is Tried as an Adult?
While Illinois law generally seeks to keep juveniles in the juvenile justice system, there are certain crimes that may require them to be tried as adults. This often occurs in cases involving the seriousness of the crime, like murder or other violent offenses.
When a juvenile is transferred to adult court, they face much harsher penalties, including:
- Felony convictions – A conviction in adult court will remain on the child’s record for life.
- Adult sentencing – Juveniles face adult sentences, which could include lengthy prison terms instead of placement in a juvenile detention center.
- Loss of future opportunities – Unlike juvenile cases that may be sealed, an adult conviction can affect college admissions, job prospects, and housing.
This is why it’s essential to have a juvenile lawyer who can argue for the case to remain in juvenile court. If your child is at risk of being tried as an adult, contact a defense attorney immediately.
How Can a Juvenile Lawyer Help Your Child?
The role of a juvenile lawyer goes beyond courtroom defense. Their goal is to protect your child’s future. Here’s how a juvenile lawyer can help:
- Review of the evidence – A lawyer will analyze police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence to challenge its validity.
- Build a strong defense – Whether arguing for dismissal, negotiating a plea, or fighting in court, the lawyer will create a strategy that focuses on your child’s best interests.
- Advocate for alternative sentencing – Rehabilitation programs and alternative sentencing options are common in juvenile cases. Your lawyer can advocate for these options instead of detention.
- Protect your child’s record – If a juvenile is convicted, it could create a permanent record. Your lawyer will work to minimize the long-term effects, including expungement options.
If your child has been accused of committing a crime, working with a juvenile lawyer is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect their future.
Call for a Free Consultation
Learn more about Skokie juvenile felony lawyer services. Call Chicago Trusted Attorneys at (312) 931-5411 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a juvenile felony different from a misdemeanor?
A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. Felony charges can result in detention or other serious consequences, while misdemeanors typically result in lighter penalties like community service or fines.
Can a child be tried as an adult for a felony in Illinois?
Yes, in certain cases involving severe crimes like murder, rape, or other violent offenses, a child may be tried as an adult. Juveniles as young as 13 may be transferred to adult court under specific circumstances.
How can a juvenile lawyer protect my child’s future?
A juvenile lawyer can advocate to keep the case in juvenile court, work toward dismissal of charges, or negotiate rehabilitation-focused alternatives to detention. They can also help prevent a felony conviction from creating a permanent record.
What happens to a child’s record after a juvenile felony case?
In most cases, juvenile records are sealed or expunged once the child reaches adulthood. However, if the child is tried as an adult, the felony conviction could stay on their record permanently.
How soon should I contact a juvenile lawyer if my child has been arrested?
You should contact a lawyer immediately after your child has been arrested. Early intervention allows the attorney to protect your child’s rights, challenge improper police conduct, and build a strong defense from the beginning.
If your child has been accused of a crime, contact a Skokie juvenile felony lawyer for a free consultation. Protecting their future starts with the right legal representation.