Every parent wants what is best for their children, no matter the situation. Although parents have those best intentions in mind, there often follows the difficult thoughts of their child or children getting into serious trouble. This begs the question: as a parent, what do I do if my child commits a crime?
If a child has either committed a crime or has been accused of committing a crime, then that child’s parents can advise the child not to speak with police or school administrator, until a lawyer has been retained. It is important to keep in mind that if the child is a minor, then the parents have a right to be present during questioning. In addition, if the child is being questioned without being given the opportunity to call their parent(s), then the child needs to inform their lawyer about this situation. However, if a family can’t afford a lawyer, then the family will be appointed a lawyer if the child is facing jail time, but if the child or parent(s) have resources, it’s quite possible a judge will not appoint the child a lawyer, which leaves the child without legal counsel.
When a lawyer is appointed or retained, it is important that the parent(s) and the child meet with the lawyer to find out more information about what kind of crime the child has been charged with, such as a misdemeanor or a felony, and what type of punishment the child could possibly face for the crime. When meeting with a lawyer, parents can ask the lawyer if the child eligible for Youthful Offender status, which could help prevent the child from facing criminal prosecution that an adult would receive for the same crime. Parents can also ask the lawyer about collateral consequences the child could face, such as school suspension/expulsion, loss of scholarship opportunities, loss of civil rights, loss of eligibility for jobs that require certain professional licenses such as doctors, lawyers, or government work.
If you, as a parent, find yourself in a situation where your child has been charged with a crime, then the first step is finding a competent and skilled lawyer who can help answer your questions about the case. When deciding on which lawyer to hire, it is important to choose a lawyer that you can trust, that will communicate openly with you, and that is transparent about their fee structure. The lawyers at Sheffield & Lentine, P.C. have years of experience when working with children who have been charged with committing a crime, and work diligently with clients to make sure that they receive the best outcome possible. If you or a loved one find yourself in this type of situation, please feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.
DISCLAIMER: This article is meant to provide a starting point for discussing these issues with an experienced lawyer. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does it form an attorney client relationship. No representation is made that the quality of legal services provided is greater than the quality of legal services provided by other lawyers. No representation is made that past outcomes are an indication of future success.