Juvenile Crimes Representation
Our Criminal Defense Attorney Chicago Can Help Your Child
When your child is arrested for a crime and charged with a criminal offense, it is important that you take immediate action to retain an aggressive attorney. At The Law Offices of Haytham Faraj, PLLC, Attorney Haytham Faraj can work actively to protect your child’s future and help them receive a favorable outcome to their case. Your child deserves an experienced lawyer who can help prevent a criminal record from haunting your child for the rest of his or her life.
Attorney Faraj is proud to offer more than 25 years of professional and legal experience to benefit our clients. He is intimately familiar with Illinois law and the Department of Juvenile Justice system. When your child has been arrested, it is imperative that you contact The Law Offices of Haytham Faraj, PLLC at (800) 809-1581 right away to retain trusted legal counsel.
How does juvenile court differ from adult court?
The Illinois Juvenile Justice System varies slightly in its proceedings and handling of criminals than the adult justice system. Some key characteristics of the juvenile system include:
- The ultimate goal of the juvenile corrections system is to help modify behaviors that can be seen as unfavorable and make the child a productive adult member of society.
- All individuals who are arrested prior to their 17th birthday are tried as juveniles.
- Upon arrest, an officer will determine whether the offense should be handled by releasing the child to the custody of their parents or bringing the minor to the juvenile court.
- At the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, a point system will be used to determine the severity of your child’s case and whether they will be held at the center until their court date or can be released while awaiting a hearing or trial.
One of the first steps in the juvenile justice process is the detention hearing. At this hearing, a judge will determine if there is enough evidence against the minor to hold trial or if the child should be placed on probation. If trial is imminent, your attorney can work to challenge evidence that the prosecutor may have and aggressively defend your child’s case. Most judges will look into a child’s social life, criminal history, and attendance at school or prior run-ins with the law during a case to determine appropriate sentencing. Based on a judge’s findings, a child may be placed on probation with community service, counseling, and schooling or spend anywhere from 30 days in the Juvenile Temporary Detention Facility to time in a Department of Corrections prison.
Not All Minors are Treated the Same
While most cases involving minors are tried in the juvenile system, some cases are taken to higher courts. Depending on the crime and circumstances of the case, a prosecutor may try to prosecute your child in an adult court and pursue the maximum amount of penalties available. Juvenile offenders are sometimes used to “make an example” in an effort to deter others from committing similar crimes, a practice that can be very detrimental to your child’s future. It is crucial that you retain the representation of an aggressive attorney.
At The Law Offices of Haytham Faraj, PLLC, Attorney Faraj knows that your child has a future that deserves to be defended. He can review all evidence and challenge any findings. His tenacious approach to cases does not stop at the office. If our client’s case goes to trial, he will work diligently to protect their rights and freedoms.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free case evaluation as soon as possible.