Skilled Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys In Barre, Vermont
In Vermont, youths from ages 10 to 19 who commit crimes are referred to as juvenile delinquents or juvenile offenders. Since minors lack the proper mental capacity to make the right decisions, they are charged and tried in a juvenile court, where the primary aim of the justice system is to educate and rehabilitate them instead of punishing them. If your child has been arrested in Barre, Vermont, for acts of unlawful behavior, it is vital to contact an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer as soon as possible.
At Green Mountain Family Law, our juvenile crime attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience, helping parents and their children throughout Central Vermont navigate the complex juvenile court process and other family law issues with confidence and ease. When you hire us for your child’s juvenile case in Barre, Vermont, we will relentlessly advocate for their legal rights, their freedom and their best interests.
What Defines A Juvenile Offender In Vermont?
Under Vermont law, juvenile offenders are minors or youths who commit unlawful acts considered to be criminal acts if an adult otherwise committed them. While most states’ age of jurisdiction for juvenile court is set at 18, Vermont’s juvenile justice system is set at 19, with some exceptions.
The state’s juvenile justice system is entirely separate from the adult criminal justice system, with the legal proceedings typically held confidentially and in a less formal manner than adult criminal court. Since juvenile offenders do not receive criminal convictions, Vermont juvenile courts order a disposition if the minor is found to be “adjudicated delinquent,” with options including:
- Probation
- Restitution
- Placement with the Department for Children and Families (DCF)
- Community service
- Commitment to a residential program
The primary goal of juvenile court judges is to impose consequences proportional to the severity of the offense, while also providing youths with interventions that can help them get back on the right track. In Barre, Vermont, we efficiently guide parents throughout the legal process so that they can protect their children’s rights and help them make informed decisions about their juvenile cases.
Understanding Juvenile Law: Felony Versus Misdemeanor Offenses
In Vermont, misdemeanors involve minor crimes such as simple assault, shoplifting, first-time DUI and disorderly conduct. While these offenses are less serious than felonies, it is important to note that they can still have potential consequences for a juvenile’s future.
Felonies involve dangerous or violent criminal conduct such as aggravated assault, manslaughter and first- or second-degree murder. Under 33 V.S.A. § 5204, these are serious offenses that can enable direct adult-court filing for juveniles aged 16 to 18.
Protect Your Child’s Freedom – Call Our Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyers Today
As parents, you want nothing more than to keep your child safe. To safeguard their rights as minors and build a strong defense for their juvenile delinquency case in Barre, Vermont, you need dependable legal allies. Contact our firm today at 802-858-8152 or use our online form to arrange a consultation with one of our dedicated juvenile crime attorneys. We serve families throughout Central Vermont.