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Philadelphia Juvenile Defense Attorney
Most juvenile offenses are nonviolent or drug-related offenses that are not particularly serious in nature. Common charges against juveniles include drug possession, unlawful possession of alcohol, driving under the influence, shoplifting, assault, and criminal mischief. If a juvenile is convicted of a crime, it will be placed on his or her criminal record and negatively impact their life moving forward. With the potential to have limitations placed on your child’s future, having a juvenile crimes lawyer on your side is critical.
Philadelphia Juvenile Defense Attorney
If your loved one has been arrested and charged with a juvenile offense, a conviction has the potential to severely hinder his or her life. If convicted of a crime, juveniles may be unable to pursue certain educational or employment opportunities. With your child’s future on the line, it is vital that you consult with an aggressive attorney who has the knowledge and skills to help your child through a rough time.
Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC represents minors facing charges in and around Philadelphia, New Jersey, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County. Call us today at (215) 665-1695 so we can begin fighting for your child.
Overview on Juvenile Offenses in Pennsylvania
- Juvenile Delinquency in Philadelphia
- Deferred Adjudication for Minors
- Finding a Quality Juvenile Defense Attorney in Chester County
Juvenile Delinquency in Philadelphia
Juvenile proceedings begin when a district attorney or member of law enforcement files a petition with the court. In a hearing, a judge hears the evidence against the juvenile and makes a decision on his or her guilt or innocence. If the judge determines that the child is guilty, he or she will be adjudicated of the crime. After being adjudicated, the juvenile has 30 days to appeal the judge’s decision.
In Pennsylvania, a delinquent is any child who is 10 or older who has been adjudicated guilty of a delinquent act. Once adjudicated guilty of a crime, the delinquent will be subject to treatment, supervision, and other rehabilitative measures.
Deferred Adjudication for Minors
In some cases, the district attorney will offer deferred adjudication to juvenile offenders. If the juvenile completes predetermined requirements within a given period of time, he or she will have the charges against them dropped. Some of the requirements of deferred adjudication could be:
- Progress reports for school
- Supervised probation
- Sustained employment
- Participation in community service
- Drug and alcohol substance abuse programs
- Random drug tests
If the juvenile fails to complete the requirements of deferred adjudication, or violates a provision of the program, deferred adjudication will be taken off the table and the juvenile will be penalized for his or her crime, and have the offense placed on their criminal record.
Finding the Best Juvenile Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania
Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC serves clients in and around Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, and Chester County who have been charged with juvenile offenses. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients and fighting to preserve their freedom. In order to protect your child’s future, contact us today at (215) 665-1695, and let us begin preparing a strong defense.