Philadelphia Juvenile Offense Attorney

When a minor commits a crime as a juvenile, it can mean a criminal record for the rest of his or her life. If you are a parent, you want what's best for your child, and though there are programs available to prevent a criminal record -- it still stands that it can be a consequence. It is in your child's best interest to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney who has worked specifically with minors and juvenile offenses.

LLF Law Firm are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia. They have been representing juvenile offenses for more than 15 years. Their experience is vast and varied and includes but is not limited to the following juvenile offenses:

LLF Law Firm Founder worked as a juvenile probation officer for the Philadelphia Juvenile Probation Department while he studied law at Temple University's Beasley School of Law. In fact, part of the reason he became an attorney was to continue the work his work helping youthful offenders move forward in life.

Definition of a Juvenile Delinquent in Philadelphia

When a child under the age of 18 but typically older than 10 years old commits an act that would be considered a crime if an adult committed it, then that child has allegedly committed a “delinquent act.” If proven guilty of the act, the child is a juvenile delinquent. 

Juvenile Delinquent Process in Philadelphia

The start of the delinquent process for a minor is usually Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system. When a minor is arrested, he or she is not typically detained unless he or she:

  • committed a felony;
  • poses as a flight risk; or 
  • poses a threat to the public.

The parent will be contacted and will usually be allowed to take custody of the child after the police have taken down identifying information and have filed the charges. 

Within 72 hours, a preliminary hearing will be held. This hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to support the charge. If so, a formal adjudication hearing is set. While the juvenile awaits the adjudication hearing if he or she is between the ages of 13 and 18, then he or she may be held at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC), which is located at 91 North 48th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139. 

At these hearings, the District Attorney will represent the Commonwealth. It is advised that the juvenile's family retains an attorney to represent the child. In these cases, a judge (also known as a Master in juvenile proceedings) presides -- there is no constitutional right to a jury.

To note, when a minor is charged with a summary offense or a violent crime, he or she may be tried in an adult court as opposed to juvenile court.

"Punishment" & Juvenile Probation in Philadelphia

The adjudication hearing does not find the child guilty or not guilty -- rather, the court finds the juvenile delinquent or not. If found to be delinquent, the judge has a set of sentencing options, also referred to as disposition orders. Sentencing options include but are not limited to:

  • Probation, which is the most common;
  • Confinement in a juvenile detention facility;
  • Removal to a child welfare facility.

If sent to PJJSC as part of the disposition order, the juvenile has access to educational programs, social services, medical services, behavioral health services, and recreational activities. The focus is on rehabilitation and prevention as opposed to punishment.

Philadelphia Juvenile Defense Attorney

LLF Law Firm has the insight and resources to develop a compassionate and smart approach to your child's case. They understand the law and know how to use it to maximize your child's chances of an outcome most favorable to him or her. Contact the LLF Law Firm today either online or at 888-535-3686 to set up a consultation and learn more about how LLF Law Firm may be able to help your child if he or she has been charged with a juvenile offense.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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