Painesville Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Painesville Juvenile Crime Attorney

If your child finds themselves in trouble with the law, the consequences can weigh heavily on your whole family. The juvenile justice system can be scary and works very differently from the adult system. Just one small mistake or impulsive action can change the course of your child’s life. A Painesville juvenile crime lawyer can provide a safeguard for your child.

At Fortress Law Group, LLC, we have a strong team dedicated to providing advocacy for juveniles in Painesville. We know how challenging the juvenile justice system can be, and we strive to give your child results-driven legal representation to help preserve their future. Our team is well-versed in juvenile court processes in Ohio and has represented numerous clients at the Lake County Juvenile Court on Erie Street.

Ohio Juvenile Justice System

Juveniles are treated differently from adults in Ohio. Courts focus more on helping kids get their lives back on track and less on punishment. Some other key differences between juvenile and adult courts are that a juvenile cannot pay bail, and there is no automatic right to a trial by jury.

While a child is awaiting trial, they may be released to their parents if the crime they committed allows it. Otherwise, they may be put in home detention or held in a detention facility. Youth detention facilities are reserved for more serious charges and often house troubled youths, which can cause a negative impact on your child’s mood and behavior.

In the Ohio juvenile court system, the cases are tried before a judge without a jury. This can, unfortunately, lead to your child being held in a detention center for years awaiting trial. It depends on how busy the judge is and how backlogged the courthouse is. Having strong legal advocacy can help minimize the negative effects on your child pre-trial.

Types of Juvenile Crimes We Handle

Our team of juvenile defense attorneys at Fortress Law Group, LLC, is ready to take on your child’s case and protect their future. When you hire a juvenile crime lawyer, you will improve the odds of avoiding formal charges and can help protect their future. We represent the following juvenile criminal cases:

• Trespassing
• Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
• Property damage
• Underage drinking
• Sex crimes
• Burglary
• Assault
• Shoplifting
• Vandalism
• Drug crimes
• Domestic violence
• Weapon offenses

In 2023, about 1/3 of juvenile crimes were violent in nature. 15% were property crimes, and 2% were drug crimes. When your child enters the juvenile justice system, the primary focus will be rehabilitation and growth. The judge will review your family’s dynamics, school record, and personal needs when considering the next steps.

How We Can Help

Our experienced juvenile defense team at Fortress Law Group, LLC will form a defense strategy that seeks dismissal based on insufficient evidence or pursue alternative sentencing options. We pursue avenues like counseling, anger management classes, and diversion programs. Our goal is to provide your child with assistance to make it through their legal situation.

We can also challenge the evidence brought forward by the prosecution. There are specific rules as to how evidence must be handled in a court trial. If they are not followed, then the evidence gathered might not be usable in court. Our former experience as a prosecutor has familiarized us with how to find illegally obtained evidence.

FAQs

What Is the Juvenile Rule 6 in Ohio?

The Ohio Supreme Court rules of juvenile procedure rule 6 is about the procedures when your child is taken into custody. This rule governs how authorities may take a juvenile into custody and detain them while awaiting their dispositional hearing.

The juvenile code also offers protections to juvenile offenders by appointing them a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). They are meant to represent the child’s interests in court proceedings if no other adult is available.

What Rights Do Juvenile Offenders Have in Ohio?

The key rights juveniles have in court are:

• The right to legal counsel
• The right against self-incrimination (similar to Miranda rights and the right to remain silent)
• The right to be given advanced notice of charges against them
• The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
• The right to call witnesses to testify on their behalf,
• The right to a hearing where the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Our attorneys will ensure that your child’s rights are protected throughout.

What Is One Right that Juveniles Do Not Have in Ohio?

The one right that juveniles do not have in Painesville, Ohio is the right to a jury trial in delinquency cases. Another big difference between juvenile and adult cases is that juvenile offenders must appear in court with restraints. Adults are allowed to appear unrestrained unless they pose a safety risk to those in the court. In Ohio, all juveniles wear restraints in court, even for minor charges.

What Is the Youngest Age a Child Can be Charged with a Crime in Ohio?

Ohio does not have a statutory minimum age in the Ohio Revised Code when a child cannot be charged in juvenile court. For very young children, a judge will review the case and determine whether the child has the capacity to understand that their actions were “seriously wrong.”

Ohio does have a designated commitment age. This mandates that felony offenders between the ages of 10 and 21 must remain incarcerated, which may allow younger offenders alternatives to confinement.

Hire a Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Navigating the juvenile criminal justice system can be incredibly scary, frustrating, and confusing. If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, the early intervention of a juvenile criminal defense attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of their case.

Our team can help. At Fortress Law Group, LLC, our experienced team is prepared to offer you compassionate assistance throughout the process. Our defense team will go to work immediately reviewing your child’s case and the evidence law enforcement has gathered. We will seek to avoid formal changes being filed at all and look into alternative resolutions to help safeguard your child from serious consequences. Call us today.

Painesville Juvenile Crime Lawyer Reviews

Meet Your Attorney

Matthew C. Bangerter

Founder, Fortress Law Group, LLC

Matthew draws on his unique background as a former Assistant Prosecutor and his scientific expertise in molecular genetics to bring unparalleled precision and strategy to criminal defense in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor charges, serious felony indictments, or federal prosecution, he builds defense strategies rooted in forensic evidence analysis, cutting-edge legal theory, and an unwavering commitment to protecting your constitutional rights and positioning you for the strongest outcome in court.

Call (440) 659-1315