Just because you or a juvenile you know was arrested or is under investigation in Canton, MI—whether for underage drinking, shoplifting, assault, sex offenses, or drug offenses, among others—it doesn’t mean that penalties or long-term consequences will be lighter. In attempts to deter juveniles from crime and keep juveniles from becoming adults who commit crime, the Canton Township Police, state prosecutors, and judges treat juvenile crimes severely. Regardless of the crime, it is essential to acquire an experienced Canton, MI juvenile defense attorney to ensure that your rights as a juvenile have been protected and that you receive the best, most diligent representation in court.
At Grabel & Associates, we fully understand the differences in how judges and prosecutors approach juvenile cases. After working with thousands of defendants from across the state, we are confident that through a strong and comprehensive defense strategy, we can minimize both the immediate and long-term penalties. On the other hand, if you or your child is innocent of the crime, we will not rest until he/she receives a not-guilty verdict. Don’t let a mistake in your youth come between you and a prospective future, and contact Grabel & Associates today.
Especially for parents and/or family members, this entire process can be quite overwhelming, and feeling helpless can only make the situation worse.
If arrested for a crime, the juvenile will most likely be taken first to the Canton Township Police Department, located at 1150 S Canton Center Road. The phone number is 1-734-394-5400. At the police station, if applicable, the police will complete booking procedures, collect data, and/or take fingerprints. According to law, officers must immediately notify the parents and/or guardian.
Next, the young person is most likely taken to the Family Juvenile Division of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan, which is located at the Lincoln Hall Of Justice Family Division. The phone number is 313-833-1615.
Depending on the seriousness of the alleged crime, or the instance of previous convictions, one of two things could then happen, including:
Keep in mind that within 24 hours after arrest, the young person should then have his/her initial hearing. Also known as preliminary hearings, these occasions are necessary for both criminal offenses as well as status offenses (such as truancy, curfew violations, and incorrigibility). The judge reviews information and generally makes a decision, such as:
If the case is dismissed, the young person is free to go.
The consent calendar and the formal calendar refer to the court’s continued action in the case. In short, the consent calendar is an informal process of court supervision, and if both parties agree, the youth must waive a few rights, such as the right to a publicly paid attorney, a formal notice of charges, the right to a jury trial, and others. In return, the court creates a “case plan” that details the steps the court would like the juvenile to take as well as the support and/or services that he/she must participate in. After completing the plan, the court could close the case.
If the juvenile is placed on the formal calendar, it means that he/she is being formally charged with the crime, and he/she must go through standard court proceedings.
It is essential to be with both the juvenile and the juvenile defense attorney through every process of the court proceedings. This means that you, as a parent and/or guardian, should always feel free to speak up, ask questions, and voice concerns. Likewise, it can help to share as much information about the juvenile as possible, especially in cases where mental health issues, learning disabilities, or other disabilities may be involved. The juvenile defense attorney must also have access to records, documents from a therapist (if applicable), and other evaluations. Also, regardless of the crime, it is very important to show the court that you are willing to take an active role in the process, and that you will work with the courts to provide a positive outcome for the juvenile.
Being arrested for an alleged crime can be excruciating for both the parent/guardian and the child, but with the help of the highly experienced attorneys at Grabel & Associates, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We’ve worked with thousands of juveniles around the State of Michigan, and we know how the Juvenile Courts function in Wayne County. With a wide network of resources, we will aggressively fight to keep your child out of juvenile detention, and we will make sure that his or her rights weren’t violated at any point of the arrest and court proceedings. Feel free to contact Grabel & Associates 24/7 for a free emergency consultation at 1-800-342-7896.