At Grabel & Associates, one of Michigan’s premier law firms, we believe that young people don’t deserve the serious ramifications that follow a criminal record. If you or a juvenile you know has committed a crime or is awaiting trial, you need a Troy, MI juvenile defense attorney.
Facing an arrest or a guilty conviction for a juvenile can be a terrifying, overwhelming experience. The consequences of a guilty conviction, along with the creation of a criminal record, can have serious negative effects throughout the juvenile’s life. Although police and prosecutors in Troy, MI, and throughout Oakland County are sympathetic to the rebellious nature of youth, they nonetheless draw the line when it comes breaking the law, either to serve justice to those wronged by the criminal act(s) or as a means to deter further juvenile crime.
If you or a juvenile you know has committed a crime, is under investigation, or is awaiting trial for an alleged crime, you need to take some time to understand the juvenile criminal proceedings as well as potential outcomes. This can be a very stressful time, but the best aid you have at your side is knowledge. Our attorneys at Grabel & Associates will guide you through the entire judicial proceedings process, making sure you are fully aware of the situation, what can happen, and how certain decisions could affect your future.
In short, if you are under 17 years old and commit any crime as defined by the Michigan Penal Code, you could be charged with a “delinquency action.” Some common delinquency actions could include:
Although you aren’t technically charged with a crime or labeled as a criminal, these delinquent acts could lead to damaging criminal penalties. For the serious felony criminal charges, you could be charged as an adult, and in these cases, prosecutors tend to push these cases up into adult courts. Keep in mind that Michigan’s tough laws make it possible for even young offenders to be tried in an adult court. Offenders over 14 who have committed a serious felony act such as rape, murder, arson, or the sale of illegal drugs are eligible for adult sentencing.
Juveniles hold many of the same rights as adults in criminal proceedings, but in some cases, the rights and criminal proceedings do differ. If arrested for a crime or under investigation, for example, juveniles should always consult with an attorney before answering any potentially incriminating questions. Furthermore, juveniles have the right to be free of aggressive interrogation techniques, and you have the right to not incriminate yourself.
Once the trial begins, juvenile’s often have different rights. If the case is being tried in a juvenile court, such as the Oakland County Circuit Court Juvenile Probation - Troy Office, you may not have the right to trial by jury, and if you agree to the conditions of the Juvenile Consent Calendar, you must abide by the judge’s decision. In these cases, you may be subject to alternative sentencing as opposed to jail time and fines, depending on the severity of the alleged crime.
For over a decade, the experienced juvenile defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates have been defending young people in Troy, MI, throughout Oakland County, and across Michigan. We’ve provided successful results in many situations in a juvenile criminal case, but at the same time, we know that each situation is unique. It is for this reason that our attorneys provide one-on-one time with the juvenile and his/her parents and/or guardians to make sure they fully understand what’s at stake. Furthermore, we’ll always put your interests at the forefront of our comprehensive defense strategies.
Whether proving your innocence, making sure that police or prosecutors don’t use unfair tactics against you, or searching for alternative sentencing, our attorneys are there for you, aggressively defending your rights and pursuing your interests. No matter the criminal charges, the attorneys at Grabel & Associates will give you the best chance at freedom and a successful future.
During every stage of the judicial process, whether under investigation or during trial, the defense attorneys at Grabel & Associates provide an aggressive, experience-backed defense to protect the juvenile’s rights while making sure that unfair sentencing or police or prosecutor tactics don’t harm the juvenile’s future. If you need a lawyer to protect your child from juvenile investigation, an attorney to represent you in court, or a criminal defense team to appeal a decision or pursue expungement, contact Grabel & Associates today at 1-800-342-7896 for a free consultation.