Criminal offenses are serious – but they are even more serious when the person charged is your child. Navigating Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system can be confusing, and in some cases minors may be facing adult penalties if convicted. Call the Law Offices of Michelle A. Fioravanti at 484-876-1543 or contact us if your child has been charged with crime to start working on the defense of their case as soon as possible.

Chester County Juvenile Offenses Lawyer

Juvenile Offenses Lawyer in Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Delaware, Lancaster, Berks and Bucks County Pennsylvania

The language of juvenile court is different than that used in adult court. A “delinquent act” is an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. A minor has an “adjudicatory hearing” instead of a trial. When a child is found guilty of committing a delinquent act (crime), he is “adjudicated delinquent.” There is a “disposition hearing” instead of a sentencing, and instead of probation or incarceration there is “treatment, supervision or rehabilitation.” And unlike an adult proceeding where there is a minimum and maximum time for a sentence, a child can be committed to an institution or kept on probation for as long as necessary to provide the treatment and rehabilitative services. The court will review the commitment or disposition at least every 6 months.

Juveniles Treated as an Adult for Serious Felony Offenses

A juvenile will be treated as an adult if charged with serious felony offenses:

  • Any person charged with murder, no matter how young, will be charged as an adult in Pennsylvania.
  • A youth who was 15 years or older at the time of the offense will be charged as an adult if the youth used a deadly weapon or has been previously adjudicated delinquent of one of these offenses:
    • Rape
    • Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
    • Aggravated assault
    • Robbery
    • Robbery of a motor vehicle
    • Aggravated indecent assault
    • Kidnapping
    • Voluntary manslaughter
    • Attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit one of the above offenses

Juvenile Criminal Offense of Underage Drinking

Criminal summary offenses are considered crimes, which means they can be committed either by minors or adults and are dealt with in the same way, regardless of who commits them. A summary offense is less serious than a misdemeanor or a felony. Underage drinking is an example of a summary offense. Summary offenses can become a matter for juvenile court if the youth fails to comply with the conditions of a disposition ordered by a District Justice.

Suspension of Juvenile’s Pennsylvania Driver’s License

An adjudication of delinquency will impact your child’s future. The child’s ability to obtain employment or acquire licenses for certain professions may be hinderd by a delinquency adjudication. A delinquency adjudication may affect access to public housing and the ability to enlist in the military. The adjudication may result in a suspension of the minor’s driver’s license, and the adjudication may significantly increase sentencing for a criminal conviction as an adult.

Call the Law Offices of Michelle A. Fioravanti at 484-876-1543 or contact us to set up a free initial consultation for your son or daughter. We will work hard to protect his or her reputation and future.