Former Juvenile Prosecutors & Other Highly Skilled Attorneys At Our Firm Are Available To Discuss The Charges Against Your Child By Contacting Our Jersey City Office At 201-309-0500
The considerations when a child is facing New Jersey juvenile charges is different from those when someone is an adult. Instead of being charged in criminal court where the emphasis is on punishment, someone under 18 years of ago has their criminal offense heard in family court. What this means is that your son or daughter’s Bayonne juvenile matter shall be heard at the Family Division of the Hudson County Superior Court in Jersey City New Jersey. You should also know that the law requires representation in all juveniles cases so you will either have to qualify for a public defender because of indigency or hire a defense lawyer for their child. It is obviously in your best interests of the juvenile to retain the most talented criminal attorney that you can identify.
We are the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, a powerhouse criminal defense firm with an extensive track record of success in defending Hudson County juvenile charges. We can offer you:
- 200 years of combined experience defending juvenile charges in Hudson County involving assault, drug possession, cds distribution, weapon possession, sex crimes, robbery, burglary and other violations
- Representation by a team of ten (10) lawyers that limit their practice to criminal defense
- Former county prosecutors that include a former Director of the Juvenile Division, Drug Task Force, Major Crimes and even an entire Trial Division
- Certified criminal trial attorneys on staff
- An office conveniently located in Jersey City directly across from the county courthouse
The lawyers at our firm know the laws and procedures that make juvenile cases unique while also possessing substantial criminal defense experience to enhance the representation your child receives from them. Call us now at 201-309-0500 at any time of the day or night to speak with one of our attorneys in a free initial consultation.
Understanding Juvenile Offenses in Bayonne
If someone younger than 18 years of age commits a violation of the law, their case is handled in the family court pursuant to the New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice, N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-20 through N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-92. Common crimes and violations of the law committed by children and teenagers include the following:
Underage Drinking & Alcohol Possession
Criminal Mischief & Vandalism
Sex Offenses
Drug/CDS possession & Distribution
Assault
Theft Charges, including Burglary, Robbery & Shoplifting
Handgun & Other Weapon Violations
Terroristic Threats
Parents concerned about their children should be aware that the juvenile justice system in New Jersey allows children who commit violent acts have their cases transferred and heard in the adult criminal courts. The following criminal offenses if committed by a child who is at least 14 years of age could be heard in an adult criminal court:
Murder
Robbery as a crime of the first degree
Aggravated sexual assault
Aggravated assault as a crime of the second degree
Kidnapping
Aggravated arson
The prosecution has the right to petition the family court to have the child’s case waived to a adult criminal court. Our attorneys have the opportunity to oppose waiver by presenting evidence at hearing to persuade a family court judge to retain jurisdiction over the case if the evidence supports that the child’s best chance at rehabilitation exists in the family court. If a judge allows the case to be transferred to criminal court, your child has the benefit of continuity of representation as the defense attorney stays with the case.
For those cases remaining in the family court, we make every effort to take advantage of diversion programs. Diversion programs allow the matter to be resolved outside of the normal court process.
Disposition of Juvenile Cases in Bayonne Juvenile cases that go through the family court and result in an adjudication of delinquency must then go through the disposition stage. Some of the options a judge has available include:
Diversion programs
Release to parents
Restitution
Mental health or substance abuse treatment and counseling
Academic or vocational programs
Confinement to a secure juvenile facility operated by the state
Probation supervision
Community service
We make every effort to persuade the judge to resolve the case in a way that is best suited to accomplish rehabilitation without causing unnecessary disruption to your child’s home life.
Bayonne Juvenile Defense Lawyer
The skilled and compassionate Bayonne juvenile defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall are committed to protecting your child’s rights and working to achieve a favorable outcome. To speak to an attorney anytime 24/7 about your juvenile case, call 201-309-0500. A lawyer is ready to take your call and answer all of your questions.
