Nassau County NY Juvenile Defense Attorney
It can be terrifying for a minor child to face criminal charges. Whether they are accused of a misdemeanor or felony offense, the justice system can be intimidating. The fear over what will happen can be immense.
If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Nassau County or anywhere in New York, it is important to get a lawyer on your side right away. A qualified juvenile defense attorney can help you understand your rights, your options and the best methods to resolve the matter.
The Judicial Process For Juveniles Accused Of Crimes In New York
Juveniles are prosecuted differently than adults in New York state. The courts aim to rehabilitate minors convicted of crimes, as opposed to punish, in the hopes they will become responsible, law-abiding adults in the future. However, this does not mean that you or your child should not take the charges seriously. There is still a lot at risk.
In New York, if an individual under the age of 16 is accused of a crime, the matter will be dealt with in Family Court. Only in the most serious of cases, such as murder or rape, will the district attorney move to have the case reassigned to criminal court.
In juvenile criminal matters, there is no negotiating for pleas. A family law judge will hear the facts of the case as presented by the prosecutor and the attorney of the accused. If the child is found guilty, he or she will be adjudicated. There will be no jail sentencing, but a judge may order placement in a detention center, probation or other non-incarceration punishments. There is no criminal record associated with adjudication.
In the event the matter is relegated to criminal courts, the minor child can be convicted of a crime (as opposed to being adjudicated in family court), sentenced to jail time and have a permanent record.
Until recently, 16- and 17-year-olds who committed crimes automatically faced the adult criminal court process. In an effort to deal with crimes committed by minors in that age bracket, the state government launched a program in select counties called the Adolescent Diversion Program. While this judicial process is still handled in the criminal court, the criminal judges have access to variety of alternative punishment options that before were only afforded to family law judges.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Contact Our Lawyers Today.
If you are a minor charged with a crime, or if your child is, the attorneys at Lerner & Lerner, P.C., can help. Our two lawyers bring more than 70 years of combined legal experience to each matter, and both hold the prestigious AV preeminent rating* from Martindale-Hubbell.
Contact our Nassau County, New York, juvenile defense attorneys at (516) 586-0383 to learn more.
View Us in the Eyes of Our Clients
Read What Our Past Clients Had to Say
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Kim was patient/understanding and easy to work with.
“Professional and knowledgeable, she dissected the situation and researched everything she needed in a matter of minutes. Within an hr after my initial call, she was my representative.”
- Dan -
There is simply no one else to trust with DWI or other criminal charges in Nassau County than this attorney.
“Kimberly told me she thought I could get my DWI reduced and and the other charge dismissed or reduced. I was skeptical, but I hired her because I thought she was my best shot at getting out of this alive without a criminal record. She did just that. Months”
- Rob -
Guided me every step of the way. She's very caring and understanding
“I was tight on money but she was very patient and never gave up on me. She's a great lawyer and fought for me until I got the lowest penalty. She's extremely informative, reliable and respectful”
- Yurman -
She is so smart and well respected in the courts.
“Ms. Lerner handled my situation with such compassion. She is so smart and well respected in the courts. She was able to show the DA the situation without going to trial and my case was dismissed. She does not give up.”
- B. -
She is so reasonable and will really listen. I strongly recommend her.
“Kimberly really cares about her clients. She represented me on a DWI case and she really knows her stuff.”
- Jennifer