Contact Our Jersey City Office To Speak To A Former Juvenile Unit Director At The Prosecutor's Office About The Criminal Charge Pending Against Your Son Or Daughter
When children misbehave, usually all it takes is a scolding from a parent or guardian to put them back on the right path. Some forms of misbehavior go beyond what we commonly expect from children. Burglary, terroristic threats, simple assault, aggravated assault, robbery, harassment and distribution of drugs/cds are only a few of the activities that children engage in that can result in a New Jersey juvenile delinquency charge in the Family Division of the Hudson County Superior Court. As a parent you want what is best for your child including having a skilled and talented Hoboken juvenile defense lawyer looking out for them in court. In fact, New Jersey law requires representation by an attorney whenever a child appears in court.
The Hudson County juvenile lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall offer a combination of unsurpassed experience in criminal and juvenile courts throughout New Jersey, as well possessing the compassion you want from someone entrusted with protecting your child’s rights in court. Our lawyers have more than 200 years of combined experience representing children and teenagers facing charges under the New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice. They know and understand the unique nature of juvenile proceedings while possessing the skills developed as top criminal defense attorneys. One of our attorneys even served as the Director of the Juvenile Unit.
Attorneys are available to speak to you in a free consultation by calling our Jersey City Office at 201-309-0500. We are available 24/7 and initial consultation are always free.
Understanding Juvenile Offenses in Hoboken
Children who have yet to reach 18 years of age can be referred to the family court for behaviors that violate the law. Some of the most common offenses committed by children include:
- Simple assault and aggravated assault
- Harassment and bullying
- Burglary
- Criminal mischief
- Terrorstic threats
- Underage drinking
- Computer crimes
- Vandalism
- Sexual assault and other sex offenses
- Shoplifting
- Robbery
- Handgun and other weapon charges
Although the emphasis in family court is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, a child who is at least 14 years of age who commits a violent criminal offense can lose the relative safety of the juvenile justice system and have the case transferred to an adult criminal court.
The prosecution may file a petition in family court asking that a juvenile proceeding be transferred or waived to an adult criminal court. Criminal offenses for which waiver is available include the following:
- Murder
- Robbery as a crime of the first degree
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Aggravated assault as a crime of the second degree
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated arson
We vigorously oppose waiver requests by arguing in favor of retention of the case by the family court. The family court judge must conduct a hearing at which we can offer evidence supporting the claim that the best opportunity for rehabilitation exists by keeping the case in family court.
When a case remains in family court, we always explore the various programs allowing for resolution of the matter without court intervention. Diversion programs, such as the Juvenile Conference Committee (JCC), recommend a course of action that could include counseling to resolve the case.
Cases that do not go through a diversion program are heard by a family court judge. If the judge believes the evidence proves the child committed the alleged activities, the case proceeds to disposition.
Disposition of Juvenile Cases in Hoboken
An adjudication of delinquency moves the case into the disposition stage. The judge must determine the most effective methods for achieving rehabilitation of the child. Options available to the judge include the following:
- 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
Our forceful and compelling arguments in favor of a disposition best suited to rehabilitation have proven successful in achieving a result that keeps the child at home without unnecessary disruption.
Hoboken Juvenile Defense Lawyer
A defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall will provide you the peace of mind and security of knowing a skilled and resourceful advocate is looking out for your son or daughter. Call us any time of day or night at 201-309-0500 to speak to one of our attorneys about the circumstance of your juvenile’s arrest and/or charges. We will be more than happy to offer our insight as to how we can help avoid a conviction and other penalties that result from a conviction.
