Juvenile Defense Lawyer

A criminal conviction can derail a young person’s entire life and limit their career and education options.  The consequences of a conviction may extend well beyond a fine, probation, or time in prison. A minor who is convicted of a crime may have limited options if they want to attend a university, be eligible for scholarships, enlist in the military, or pursue their desired career.

If you are a minor, or your underage child is facing criminal charges, an Omaha juvenile defense lawyer at Berry Law can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action to help protect your rights and your future. Throughout the legal process, an aggressive Omaha defense attorney can advocate for justice and work towards the best possible outcome while safeguarding your rights or the rights of your child.

What Common Crimes in Omaha Involve Juveniles?

Some actions can be considered a crime strictly because of the accused person’s age. For example, adults can be in possession of alcohol or cigarettes without a legal violation. It’s a different situation, however, if the person possessing these items is under the relevant state’s legal age or presents a fake identification card in an attempt to purchase such products.

Some Nebraska laws prohibit other acts regardless of the actor’s age, but may treat the accused person differently when they are a juvenile. Some of the most common charges that teens face in Nebraska include:

• Assault and battery
• Sexual assault
• Drug possession
• Cyberbullying
• Driving under the influence
• Child pornography

Regardless of the specific charge, when you are facing criminal proceedings as a minor, it is important to team up with an experienced Omaha juvenile lawyer who can help fight the allegations and advocate for the best possible outcome.

What Consequences Can Juveniles Face If Convicted of a Crime?

The legal process for a juvenile depends largely on how the crime is charged. If the prosecutor charges the teen as a minor, the case may go before a juvenile court. Some acts that are frequently handled in juvenile court include chronic absences from school and theft. The juvenile court may issue the following punishments:

• Detention at a youth center
• Probation
• Out-of-home placement in a secure facility
• Involvement in a youth rehabilitation center

Keep in mind that court-ordered penalties may not be the most harmful aspect of facing a criminal charge as a juvenile. Depending on the circumstances, the court may be more lenient with punishment in a simple, first-offender juvenile case. However, having any juvenile record may negatively affect a child’s ability to get into college or find employment.

On the other hand, if a juvenile is charged as an adult, they may face the same penalties as any other adult. Therefore, it is essential to build a strong defense and work with a juvenile attorney to attempt to avoid adult criminal court entirely, if possible.

How Can an Omaha Juvenile Lawyer Help During a Criminal Case?

With so much riding on the outcome of any criminal charge, it’s critical to find the best juvenile defense lawyer in Omaha to guide you or your child through the legal process. Working with an experienced juvenile attorney can help ensure you or your child receive solid legal advice, a strong defense, or even tenacious plea negotiating to help bring the matter to the best possible outcome.

Your dedicated juvenile defense lawyer should understand and clearly explain all possible court options as well as other ancillary issues that may arise. For example:

Addressing School Disciplinary Procedures

Though punishment from a criminal court may be devastating, a young person may also face discipline from their school. A high school or college may conduct separate disciplinary proceedings. Depending on the specific circumstances, the student could be suspended or expelled from school.

Defending the Charges With Solid Legal Arguments

Because of the long-term implications that criminal charges may have on a young person, it is important to fight any accusation aggressively. Defending a case in juvenile court or against a school disciplinary proceeding is vastly different from an adult criminal case. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a juvenile attorney who has experience in these types of cases.

Depending on the circumstances, a skilled juvenile lawyer may be able to successfully argue that the court should charge the defendant as a child instead of an adult, or reduce the penalties based on the child’s positive record before the pending case. You or your minor child should not try to resolve a juvenile criminal situation alone. Reach out to the diligent juvenile defense lawyers at Berry Law now.

Contact an Omaha Juvenile Defense Lawyer at Berry Law to Protect Your Future

If you or your child is facing criminal juvenile allegations, it is important to understand your options. The best way to do this is to reach out for professional help. An Omaha juvenile defense lawyer at Berry Law can work with you to build a solid defense and fight for the best possible outcome.

Throughout the entire legal process, you deserve a dedicated juvenile attorney fighting on your behalf. Contact Berry Law today for a confidential case evaluation where we can discuss your options.