What Happens if My Child is Charged With a Juvenile Crime in Maryland?

If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, you must continue reading and speak with our experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney to learn more about the process ahead, the consequences for obtaining a juvenile conviction, and how our firm can help you fight those charges. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Will my child have to go to court if he/she is accused of a juvenile crime in Maryland?

If your son or daughter recently committed a serious criminal act, or has been accused of committing more than one juvenile act, there is a very good chance he or she will have to go through delinquency proceedings. Oftentimes, juvenile proceedings begin with detention, especially if your child is a risk to others, or is a flight risk. If it is determined your child is a risk in some way, he or she may be detained for a short period of time. The next day, your child will most likely attend a detention hearing, wherein the court will review the detention.

From here, generally within up to 60 days, you, your child, and your attorney will attend adjudication, which is where the court will analyze your child's charges in a scenario similar to a trial, however, there is no jury present, only a judge. If the court finds your child guilty of the offense he or she is accused of, your child will then attend a disposition hearing, usually on the same day. Here, the court will decide on making a finding of delinquency and whether your child requires counseling, rehabilitation, or otherwise.

What are the penalties for a juvenile crime in Maryland?

If your child is convicted of a juvenile crime, there is a very good chance he or she may face the following consequences:

• You or your child may have to pay up to $10,000 in restitution for the crime committed.
• Your child may have to undergo probation under the Department of Juvenile Services' supervision.
• Your child may have to be committed to the Department of Juvenile Services and be placed in a facility for care, rehabilitation, or guidance.

Contact our experienced Maryland firm

Here at the Ruben Law Firm, we understand how much your legal situation means to you. That is why we pledge to provide you with the personalized attention you deserve, every step of the way. Our firm is more than happy to assist you through matters of personal injury law, bankruptcy, family law, criminal defense, and estate planning. Attorney Ruben has helped clients achieve favorable results in a wide array of legal matters for years, and he is ready to do the same for you. Simply contact the Ruben Law Firm today.