Gastonia Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Gastonia Juvenile Defense Attorney

Anyone facing the juvenile justice system will likely face a range of emotions, starting with the fear of what could happen. Everyone will want to know how this could affect the rest of their family. However, regardless of what they have been accused of doing as a juvenile, it’s important to remember that not every allegation ends up being proven to be true. A skilled Gastonia juvenile defense lawyer can work to protect your child’s future and make sure their rights are respected at all times.

At The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford, we understand how stressful and emotional it can be when a young person is facing criminal charges. It’s not the type of situation we expect for our kids, and we want to do all we can to preserve their chance at a successful life. With this in mind, our goal is to guide families through the juvenile justice process with clarity, compassion, and a strong commitment to securing their future. We can fight for their second chance.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice System in North Carolina

The juvenile justice system in Gastonia, North Carolina was built on one key principle: young people should have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes without having the full weight of adult consequences. However, this does not mean that some crimes aren’t worthy of adult punishment. This is why it’s important to hire a solid defense attorney. They can shield your loved one from the allegations as much as the facts of the case allow.

Some key points to understand include:

• Juvenile courts in North Carolina generally handle cases involving individuals from six to 17. Some exceptions to this occur if the child is married, emancipated, or serving in the military.
• Crime index offenses involving juveniles increased by 35% in North Carolina between 2022 and 2023. This means more minors were accused of serious charges, such as burglary, assault, and theft.
• When a juvenile accused of a crime shows remorse and the willingness to be rehabilitated, the courts are more likely to focus on rehabilitation over punishment. This alone makes it crucial to keep an eligible case in the juvenile system whenever possible.

Why It’s Important to Keep Cases in Juvenile Court

One of the most important goals in juvenile defense cases is to keep the matter directly in the juvenile system. Once it’s transferred to the traditional court, the stakes become much higher.

Reasons why staying in the juvenile court matters include:

• The juvenile system emphasizes education, rehabilitation, and family involvement over anything else. Incarceration is often not up for consideration unless the crime is particularly heinous.
• Youth who are adjudicated in juvenile court are statistically less likely to reoffend once their case is over. In fact, the data shows that there is a 5% lower recidivism rate when compared to those prosecuted as adults.
• Juvenile records are often sealed. This gives young people the chance to move forward, as they won’t have to deal with the burden of a criminal record impacting their chances at a future job, housing, or education.
• Legal strategies that highlight a minor’s background, performance at school, and different support systems can strengthen the case to stay in juvenile court.

Keeping a case within juvenile court also allows families more flexibility in the outcomes of the case, as they are tailored to the individual rather than dealing with a standardized punishment. The judges who manage juvenile court are specifically trained on how to leverage a broader range of community-based programs, mentorship, and counseling options than judges in adult court.

FAQs About Gastonia, NC Juvenile Defense Law

How Much Does a Juvenile Lawyer Cost?

The total cost to hire a juvenile lawyer varies, depending on:

• How complicated the case is to solve
• How many years of experience the attorney has
• Where their firm is located

Difficult cases with an experienced attorney operating closer to the city will be on the more expensive side, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a return on your investment. Discuss your budget with all prospective defense lawyers upfront to hear how they articulate the value they can bring.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Defense Attorney?

While these terms are used interchangeably at times, they do mean slightly different things. “Criminal lawyer” is a broader term used to describe someone who works in criminal law. This can include prosecutors or defense attorneys. A defense attorney is someone who specifically represents individuals who have been accused of a crime. They work hard to advocate for the accused’s rights and minimize the possible penalties they could face.

Can a Juvenile Be Tried as an Adult?

Yes, it is possible for a juvenile to be tried as an adult under certain circumstances. In most cases, this is because they have been accused of a serious crime or are a repeat offender. If the court is actively deciding whether a juvenile you know should be transferred to adult court or not, it’s critical to have a defense attorney who can argue for the case to remain in juvenile court. Once the case has been officially transferred to the adult system, the penalties can be much more severe.

What Happens If My Child Is Found Guilty in Juvenile Court?

If a child was found guilty in juvenile court, it’s up to the court to decide on an appropriate disposition. This could range from probation or community service to being placed in a juvenile facility. The court might also recommend counseling or substance abuse treatment, depending on the circumstances of the case. If this happens, a defense lawyer can make sure the outcome supports the child’s growth and limits any long-term harm as much as possible.

Contact The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford Today

If a juvenile in your life has recently been accused of a crime and you are unsure where to turn for support, contact our firm today. We have been representing families of juveniles for years. We can protect their rights and make sure they have a chance to move beyond this incident.