Virginia Beach Juvenile Crime Defense Attorney

Skilled Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyer in Virginia Beach

When a minor is accused of committing a crime, they may be treated differently from an adult offender depending on the circumstances. Regardless of how the offense is prosecuted, the outcome of a juvenile case can have a major impact on a child's future. If your child has been accused of a crime, get in touch with a Virginia Beach juvenile crime defense attorney today.

At Castellano Law Firm PLLC, we empathize with parents and guardians who are concerned about their children. We can give you a realistic idea of what to expect from a charge and how best to respond. We are available 24/7, so do not hesitate to reach out.

Juvenile Offenses We Handle in Virginia Beach

The juvenile justice system in Virginia handles a wide range of offenses committed by people under the age of 18. Some of the most common cases involve theft and shoplifting, which can range from misdemeanor petit larceny to felony grand larceny depending on the value of what was taken. Assault charges are also common among juveniles and can arise from school altercations, disputes with peers, or incidents that escalate beyond what anyone anticipated.

Drug offenses, including possession of marijuana or other controlled substances, are another frequent category. A juvenile facing a drug charge may have options that are not available in the adult system, but that depends on the circumstances and how the case is handled. Sex crime accusations involving minors can range from inappropriate contact between peers to more serious allegations, and they carry consequences that can affect a young person's future in lasting ways even when the juvenile system is involved.

Other offenses handled in the juvenile system include vandalism, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and weapons charges. The range of conduct that can bring a young person into contact with the justice system is broad, and the way those cases are handled early can shape outcomes significantly.

What Happens After a Child Is Arrested?

When a juvenile is taken into custody in Virginia, the process differs from what happens when an adult is arrested. A juvenile may be released to a parent or guardian, placed in a detention facility, or referred directly to the juvenile court system depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances of the arrest. Parents are typically notified promptly.

Juvenile cases in Virginia are heard in the juvenile and domestic relations district court. The proceedings are generally not open to the public, and the records are often sealed, which can protect a young person from carrying a visible record into adulthood. However, sealed does not mean consequence-free. A juvenile adjudication can still affect educational opportunities, financial aid eligibility, and certain licensing processes even when the record is not publicly accessible.

The goal of the juvenile system is rehabilitation rather than punishment, but that does not mean the process is without serious consequences. An attorney can work to protect a young person's rights and advocate for outcomes that account for their age, circumstances, and potential.

When Are Minors Prosecuted as Adults in Virginia?

Virginia law allows certain juveniles to be tried as adults, and the consequences of that transfer are significant. A juvenile who is at least 14 years old and is charged with certain serious offenses, including murder, rape, robbery, and other violent felonies, can be transferred to the adult court system. Once that transfer occurs, the juvenile faces the same penalties an adult would, including the possibility of significant prison time.

The transfer decision involves a hearing where the court considers factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the juvenile's prior record, their amenability to treatment, and the safety of the community. That hearing is an important stage in the process, and having an attorney present to advocate against transfer can make a meaningful difference in how the case proceeds.

Meet With a Virginia Beach, VA Juvenile Crime Defense Lawyer

A charge in the juvenile system deserves the same serious attention as any adult criminal matter. Call 757-724-0073 or contact our Virginia Beach juvenile crime attorney today to schedule a free consultation with Castellano Law Firm PLLC.