Juvenile law focuses on punishment and rehabilitation for those youth under the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 who has committed a crime is deemed a juvenile delinquent. And, unfortunately, if you are under the age of 18 and have been accused or arrested for a crime, you will not be off the hook just because you are young. If you or your child has been arrested for any crime, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the case, you will need proper legal representation now. Contact Kevin Devore, a Minnesota criminal defense lawyer today to see how we can help you.

A juvenile will be convicted if he or she is found guilty of any criminal offense, regardless of whether it is a felony, gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor offense. However, most of the cases we see involve the following:

• Obstruction of justice arrests, such as resisting an arrest or running away from a police officer
• Drinking and driving offenses and driving under the influence of drugs
• Speeding and traffic violations including driving while texting and reckless driving
• Open bottle law crimes
• Shoplifting, employee theft and possession of shoplifting gear
• Breaking and entering and other property crimes
• Disorderly conduct arrests such as disturbing the peace
• Drug crimes including possession of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia
• Petty crimes such as drinking in public and violating curfew

Juvenile Law Minnesota

Juvenile law is a little different than the Minnesota court system. It most instances, juvenile crimes are treated in a special court which focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. The goal of the juvenile system is to ensure that the youth undergoes measurements to stop the criminal behavior before it’s too late. However, this does not mean you can expect a slap on the wrist and nothing more. Juvenile punishment includes the following:

• Community service
• Time spent in a juvenile detention
• Rehabilitation
• Counseling and training such as anger management or driver’s education
• Electronic monitoring

In addition to the above penalties, you will also be left with a criminal record. Potential landlords, colleges, employers and financial institutes will all be able to access your record and see this conviction. And, unfortunately, most of them do not see a criminal conviction as a plus on an application form.

CHIPS Juvenile Law

For those youth under the age of 10 that have committed a crime, there is another system called CHIPS (children in need of protection or services) that will handle the case. CHIPS cases are handled outside the juvenile hearing and usually focus on rehabilitation and support measures for both the child as well as the parents.

Juvenile Attorney in Minnesota

Kevin DeVore: My Commitment is to You, to Fighting Your Case

Kevin DeVore has espoused the concept of being an attorney who provides both small firm commitment and big firm expertise. In other words, Kevin and his colleagues understand and empathize with your situation. The professional team at DeVore Law Office will be at your side from the beginning to the end of your case. You will never be left wondering what is on the horizon … you will know what is happening with your case at all times and you will understand fully the intensive defense that our firm will mount on your behalf.

If you are facing a juvenile crime charge, you can speak immediately to Minnesota juvenile attorney Kevin DeVore at . We will schedule a no-charge initial consultation for you.