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No one likes to talk about it, but when we were younger, we all did things we later came to regret. Unfortunately, for some of us, those regrettable actions also happen to be crimes in the eyes of the state of New Jersey. If your child is facing the possibility of being charged in the adult court system, please read on, then contact an experienced Mercer County juvenile offense lawyer to learn what you should know about juvenile crimes in New Jersey.
Juvenile crimes in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, if someone under the age of 18 commits a crime, he or she will generally be considered a juvenile in the eyes of the law. Also, even if your child has since turned 18 but committed the crime before he or she turned 18, he or she will still be considered a juvenile. That being said, more serious crimes, such as rape or murder will most likely warrant an adult court trial.
What crimes will get you tried as an adult in New Jersey?
As mentioned above, New Jersey can – and will – try your child as an adult, if his or her case merits it. Including murder and rape, the following crimes may warrant an adult criminal trial:
- First-degree robbery
- Armed robbery
- Second degree aggravated assault
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated Arson
- Possession of a firearm with the intention of harming another person with it, or in the commission of another serious offense
- Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the above-mentioned crimes
Why is juvenile court better in New Jersey?
Even though New Jersey juveniles tried as adults face neither life imprisonment nor the death penalty, a skilled Mercer County criminal defense lawyer still has significant reasons to keep your child out of the adult court system. These reasons include more lenient consequences and a focus on rehabilitation, eventual expungement of your child’s record, the decreased likelihood of suicide or recidivism and a reduced social stigma for your child. An adult conviction can severely limit their prospects for quality employment, housing, government benefits, student loans, the ability to adopt children and much more. But fighting for your child’s future will be an uphill battle. Give your child the best possible chance at a brighter future by hiring quality legal representation.
CONTACT A MERCER COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER
Here at the Law Office of Douglas Herring, we believe that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to due process. No one facing a criminal matter should proceed without a competent attorney on their side. We are here to listen to your case, determine the best strategy going forward, and fight for your rights. Contact us today so we can get started.
