Arrested as a Juvenile Pennsylvania?

What Happens in a Pennsylvania Juvenile Arrest

Children make mistakes and sometimes break the law. If your child is facing criminal charges or has been arrested and detained, I know you are under a lot of stress, and extremely concerned about what will happen, now and in the future. What happens next is crucial and your family needs an experienced juvenile defense attorney to help.

Also see my Juvenile court process overview.

Arrest

If your child was arrested, chances are he was referred to the juvenile probation office for intake. Probation officers are tasked with evaluating the children brought in and the cases they are involved with. Ultimately, it is up to the probation officer and the prosecutor to determine if your child will go before a judge or if the situation will be resolved without having to go through that.

About 1/3 of all juvenile cases in our state are handled without going to court. These children may be required to meet with a probation officer or could simply be sent home with a warning.

Petitioning

If the probation officer at intake determines the charges against your child are serious enough, the case will be petitioned, or formally handled by the courts.

Detainment

Some children are detained between the time they are arrested and the time they go to court. This could happen for a variety of reasons but is generally the case where charges are very serious in nature or when the court does not think your child will return when his or her court date arrives.

If your child is being held, he or she will occasionally see the judge for a review. At these reviews the judge will revisit the reasons for detainment and ensure your child’s best interests are in mind. An experienced defense attorney may be able to assist you in getting your child home.

In certain situations, your child could qualify for a sort of in home detention with the use of an ankle monitoring device. Similar to house arrest, this option would allow your child to remain at home when they otherwise would be detained.

 

From the time your child is arrested, a juvenile defense attorney can be an asset, knowing how the court system works and how to get the best results for your child. Call me immediately for a free legal consultation and advice on your child’s case and to see how I may be able to help.

 

 

– The Attorneys of Pennsylvania-Criminal-Defense.com

 

 

We represent clients in criminal cases across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Carlisle and Lancaster, and Bucks, Montgomery, Northampton, and Lehigh Counties, as well as all of Western PA, the Pittsburgh, Pa metro area, South Hills, and Century III areas, including Greensburg, Mt Lebanon, Kittanning, Cranberry, Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Washington County. Call today, no obligation!

(888) 412-3298