Juvenile Crime Lawyer in Holmdel, NJ

Holmdel Juvenile Crimes Attorney Defends Minors Against Criminal Charges

In New Jersey, a juvenile is charged with an act of delinquency, not a crime. The Code of Juvenile Justice (N.J.S.A. 2A:4A-23) defines delinquency to include the commission of an act by an individual under age 18 which if committed by an adult would constitute a crime; a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense; or the violation of any other penal statue, ordinance or regulation, excluding motor vehicle, curfew, and smoking in public.

Some of the most common juvenile acts of delinquency are:

• Assault
• Robbery
• CDS possession and distribution
• Possession of a weapon
• Sex crimes (sexual assault, rape, touching, etc.)
• Criminal mischief (vandalism, graffiti, etc)
• Theft and/or shoplifting
• Underage drinking (DWI and DUI)
• Marijuana possession

Holmdel, New Jersey is a rural suburban community located in Central New Jersey. Despite its tranquility, it is sometimes necessary for the Holmdel Police Department to investigate juvenile delinquency matters and file formal charges against those involved.

Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Holmdel, New Jersey

If your child is 14 years or older and charged with an offense that would be a crime if committed by an adult, the agency charging your child will take all reasonable steps to fingerprint your child. This is permitted by the N.J.S.A 2A-BIa(3). It is also very likely that your child will be photographed for criminal identification purposes and a copy of his or her picture will be sent to the county prosecutor. A juvenile defense lawyer is important to ensure the best outcome possible. A conviction may affect college admission and future employment opportunities.

After a child has been formally charged with an act of delinquency the case will most likely proceed in the following manner:

Hearings for Juvenile Defendants in Holmdel, NJ

Hearings for juveniles charged as delinquents in Family Court are required to be held within specific mandated time limitations, in particularly regarding juveniles held in secure detention. N.J.S.A 2A:4A-38. The hearings are held in the following order and within the noted time periods: an initial detention hearing is to be held within 24 hours of admission; for juveniles remanded to detention, the initial probable cause hearing and second detention hearing are to be held within two court days; the juvenile is released from detention pending a subsequent hearing is probable cause is not found.

Holmdel Juvenile Detention Review Hearings

Detained juvenile review hearings are held at fourteen and twenty one day intervals where the individual’s detention status is reconsidered by a judge.

Holmdel Adjudication Hearings

At the adjudicatory hearing, the court makes a determination on the delinquency charges. A juvenile may be adjudicated delinquent on one or more of the charges; the other charges are dismissed. After an adjudication of delinquency the judge will order a disposition. In detained cases, the disposition hearing is to occur within 60 court days of admission to detention unless extended by the court for good cause.

Sentencing of Juvenile Offenders in Holmdel

Judges are allowed a wide array of disposition in adjudicated cases by Code. Probation supervision is a common outcome, and probation is often ordered along with other requirements such as performing community service or paying financial restitution. In addition, probation is ordered along with more restrictive requirements such as entering a residential program or undergoing counseling. Probation is a major resource to the Family Court and the juvenile justice system. If your child is charged with a serious offense or has a history of juvenile delinquency, the Judge may also sentence your child to a period of incarceration in a state run juvenile detention facility.

Free Consultation – Holmdel Juvenile Crimes Attorney
(908) 322-7000

If your child has been charged with and act of delinquency in Holmdel, our criminal defense attorneys may be able to assist you. We can be reached 24 hours a day at (908) 322-7000. The initial consultation is free.