Rochester Juvenile Crime Lawyers
Experienced criminal defense attorneys for children accused of crimes in Rochester, NY
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As a parent, when you receive a call from the police about your son or daughter getting in trouble it is never easy. Perhaps this was the first time, or maybe this has been a repeated behavior. Regardless, your child will need an experienced and skilled Rochester juvenile defense attorney.
We have special insight into the types of issues that judges look for as they develop an understanding of your child’s case. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC our Rochester juvenile crime lawyers are very experienced in defending juveniles as well.
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Experienced Rochester Juvenile Crime Lawyers Providing Defense In All Courts
If your child is considered a “Juvenile Delinquent,” then their act will be considered a “delinquent act,” rather than a crime. Juvenile crimes are handled completely different than adult prosecutions; even the terminology is different. Usually, juvenile crimes are handled in Family Court with no jury and just a Family Court judge. The charges your son and daughter are facing should be taken very seriously. These charges can have a very damaging impact down the road, even if your child is not convicted of the crime, when they go to apply to college, scholarships or jobs. The biggest risk for your child is being sentenced to a juvenile detention center. Your family should retain our experienced Rochester juvenile crime lawyers before your child’s initial appearance in Family Court.
Steps involved in a juvenile criminal case:
Initial Appearance
The initial appearance is the equivalent of an arraignment in adult court. When you get to the initial appearance the judge will decide to either detain the child or keep them in your custody. The severity of the charges and prior record of the child will be the determining factors for the judge.
Fact Finding Disposition
Once you’re done with the Initial Appearance, your attorneys will engage in a Fact Finding Disposition. Our attorneys examine the particulars of the case and the charges, develop our own narrative, mitigating circumstances, and exculpatory evidence, and meet with prosecutors in an effort to avoid a trial altogether. If this process is productive, the case may end here with only minor repercussions. If we are unable to agree to terms with the prosecution, a Disposition Hearing will be scheduled.
Disposition Hearing
At the Disposition Hearing, both sides will present their cases, including witness testimony, evidence exhibits, and other elements of a criminal case. A Family Court judge will hear the evidence, then make a ruling. If your child is found guilty of committing the delinquent act, then a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
These are stressful and frightening events for any family to go through. At Friedman & Ranzenhofer, our Rochester juvenile crime lawyers want you to know that you don’t have to go through this alone.
If your child is facing juvenile charges in Rochester, get experienced help from attorneys who know both sides of the courtroom. Call Friedman & Ranzenhofer for a legal confidential consultation. Let us help protect your child’s rights, and preserve their future.
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