Having a child accused of a crime can be terrifying for most parents, especially for those without significant experience with the criminal justice system. Fortunately, the courts treat crimes committed by minors very differently than adult offenses, with a parallel court system dedicated to handling juvenile delinquency. Depending on the severity of the offense and the criminal record of the accused, these cases can have a variety of outcomes. Prosecutors may decide to dismiss the case, handle the charges in an informal hearing, or formally file charges against the accused.

Informal Hearings

Although no informal charges are filed, the accused will have to appear before a judge. Unlike a trial, the informal hearing is not an adversarial proceeding, with prosecutors attempting to prove the defendant’s guilt. Instead, the judge will issue a decision regarding the outcome, which may range from a lecture from the bench to requiring that the defendant receive professional counseling. They may also order the accused to pay a fine and restitution, perform community service, or be entered into probation, which results in more serious penalties if they’re found guilty of another crime.

Formal Charges

If the defendant has been previously arrested or the charges are serious, the prosecutor may file a petition in juvenile court. Juvenile delinquency hearings are similar to criminal trials in adult cases, but they’re usually decided by a judge rather than a jury. Unlike the adult judicial system, however, a finding of guilt does not necessarily mean that the minor will be sent to jail. Instead, judges may require the defendant to undergo counseling, complete a substance abuse treatment program, or pay a fine. In serious cases, they may be remanded to custody in a special juvenile detention facility.

Bindover To Adult Court

Under some circumstances, usually when some of the most serious offenses are involved, the prosecution may seek to bind the defendant over to adult court.  For certain kinds of cases, when the defendant is a certain age bindover to adult court is mandatory.  

If your child has been accused of a criminal offense, James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, has the legal expertise to help achieve the best possible outcome for their juvenile delinquency case. He’s served families throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area for over a decade, building a reputation for providing aggressive representation and compassionate guidance. To schedule a consultation with a skilled defense attorney, visit the website or call (513) 503-7251, and follow the law firm on Twitter for news and updates.