Juvenile Delincuency
Juvenile delinquency cases in Arkansas involve minors who are accused of committing acts that would be considered crimes if committed by an adult. These matters are handled through the juvenile court system and can involve allegations such as theft, drug offenses, assault, or other unlawful conduct, and may carry serious consequences including probation, detention, and long-term impacts on a child’s record and future opportunities.
In some cases, your child may be charged as an adult, or under extended juvenile jurisdiction (EJJ), where they will be exposed to potential prison time. This may happen if the accusations are serious or violent in nature, or your child has extensive history in the juvenile courts. In these cases, the juvenile may ask the criminal court to transfer his or her case from criminal to juvenile court. It is vital to have an attorney advocate on your child’s behalf at a juvenile transfer hearing.
We understand how the juvenile system works and the best approaches to defending your child, whether they are charged as a juvenile or as an adult. Our attorneys have fought and won juvenile transfer hearings in criminal court and adjudications in juvenile court. We know what to do to help, and are dedicated to putting your child in the best position possible for their future.
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Common Juvenile Delinquency Issues & Solutions
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What kind of consequences can a juvenile case have?
Juvenile cases may resolve in many different ways, most often in either an adjudication (trial), or by plea deal. If a juvenile is found delinquent, the Court will order a SAVRY assessment, which both the child and the guardian will complete to tell the Court what services should be ordered. The judge has a range of options called “dispositional alternatives” that are like a sentence for a criminal conviction, but they are designed to rehabilitate the child and keep them from re-offending. These can range from counseling, home detention with an electronic monitor, indeterminate probation, juvenile detention for up to 90 days, or commitment to the Division of Youth Services (DYS). The juvenile courts can impose strict conditions that children must follow for an extended period of time, and violations can lead to revocation of probation or other penalties. It is important to speak with an attorney who has experience in the juvenile courts to explain these dispositional alternatives your child may be facing.
How can an attorney help with a juvenile delinquency case?
If your child has a juvenile case, they are entitled to have an attorney represent them in court. This representation is for the child only; an attorney hired or appointed to defend a juvenile does not represent that juvenile’s family members, and does not involve family in the juvenile’s case unless the juvenile consents. Your child needs effective representation in juvenile court to understand the process they are facing and the legal rights they have. Not all criminal defense attorneys have experience in juvenile courts, but we do. We understand how the juvenile courts and related agencies function, how they approach these cases, and how quickly the cases can escalate. Our attorneys work to protect your child’s rights at every stage, explain what is happening and the options to your child, and advocate on your child’s behalf to prosecutors and judges. From the detention hearing through disposition of the case, we will guide your child through the process and fight for the best possible outcome, prioritizing your child’s future and freedom.
What happens when a juvenile is charged with a crime?
When a minor is charged with a crime in Arkansas, the case is handled in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. The process typically begins with an intake or detention decision, followed by court hearings where the judge reviews the allegations, evidence, and any recommendations. Depending on the situation, the case may be resolved through probation, diversion programs, counseling, or, in more serious matters, placement in a juvenile facility.
Will a juvenile delinquency case stay on my child’s record?
Juvenile cases are strictly confidential under Arkansas law, unless your child is charged as an adult. This limits who can see your child’s record significantly, but there are still ways that record can hurt your child in the future. Juvenile delinquency records may be used for federal sentence enhancements, or proof at a future sentencing hearing, or as a factor in a decision to charge a juvenile as an adult. Our attorneys will fight to keep your child’s record clean, and can explain when your child’s juvenile record may be used against them.
What should I do if my child is being investigated or accused?
If your child is being investigated or accused of a juvenile offense, it is important to speak with an attorney who knows juvenile cases and can walk you through next steps. Your child should not make any statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. If your child received a citation, make sure to note any court dates listed on the citation and plan to attend. If your child is in detention, a detention hearing will be held to determine whether the child will be released. The case will be set for future hearings following a release decision.
Get Started and Take Action Now
If your child is facing a juvenile delinquency charge, it is important to take action as early as possible. Contact ARlaw Partners today to schedule a consultation and discuss your child’s case with our experienced juvenile defense team. We are here to help protect your child’s rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait to get the help your family needs. Reach out to ARlaw Partners in Fayetteville, AR, and let us guide you through the juvenile court process with care, experience, and a focus on your child’s future.
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