What Legal Rights Does a Juvenile Have?

While many of the legal rights given to adults in criminal cases are the same as those juveniles have when charged with a delinquency act, certain rights and procedures differ in some cases. If you are under the age of 18 and have been charged with an offense, or if your juvenile child is facing criminal accusations, contact an experienced attorney immediately. Grabel & Associates is recognized as a premier juvenile crime defense firm, and our work in countless criminal cases over the past decade has helped clients achieve beneficial case outcomes.

Michigan Juvenile Defense Attorney in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Throughout Michigan

Contact a skilled attorney now to ensure your rights are protected throughout the early stages of your case. While juvenile cases usually result in rehabilitative measures rather than jail time, fines, and other penalties, harsh sentencing is possible in any serious case, especially if the juvenile is nearing the age of 18. No matter what the details of your case, you will require the representation of a talented attorney who will work to ensure your best interests are sought throughout the justice process.

Juvenile Legal Rights During an Investigation

When police begin questioning you for a criminal charge, they will most likely tell you that you are not under arrest and that you are free to leave. It is critical to consult with an experienced lawyer before answering any police questions, as the police will use this stage of your case to gather compelling evidence against you. Your legal rights before a criminal charge has been formally filed are the same as any adult who has been accused of a crime, and you have the right to speak to an attorney and wait to answer any questions.

Legal Rights After a Juvenile Arrest in Michigan

If you have been arrested for a juvenile crime in Michigan, you have the right to know what you are being charged with, and if you have not already consulted an attorney, you have the right to speak with a legal representative. Like an adult, you have the right to not incriminate yourself, and police cannot require you to give up information that could lead to your conviction.

The rights of adult and juvenile offenders differ slightly once a trial begins, however, especially if alternative sentencing in juvenile court is sought. If your case is heard in juvenile court, you do not have the right to a jury trial, and if you agree to the conditions of the Juvenile Consent Calendar, you will have to abide by the judge’s decision. If you are sentenced on the formal calendar, and you face a court trial, you have the right to call witnesses, questions testifying witnesses, access the court transcripts, and appeal a conviction, just as an adult would.

Contact our firm now if you are accused of a juvenile delinquency action in Michigan and find out more about your rights throughout every stage of your case. Our attorneys understand how to aggressively defend against drug crime, sex crime, theft, violent crime, and all other criminal accusations, and will do everything possible to help you avoid lasting, life-changing penalties.

Our Approach to Protect Juvenile Offender’s Rights in Michigan

Our lawyers start by determining what really happened in your case, investigating every detail leading up to the current stage of your case so that we are able to prepare a comprehensive defense strategy with your legal needs in mind. Our team will help you establish legal goals that we can work towards, and will ensure that you understand what actions you need to take to achieve those goals.

Grabel & Associates will not only make sure you are aware of all your rights, but that you understand how to best utilize your rights. Never assume that police and prosecutors are on your side or that they are looking out for your best interests, even if your case will be heard in juvenile court. Overly harsh punishment or wrongful conviction is still possible, even if the focus is on rehabilitation, and failing to hire the best attorney could lead to a damaging outcome.

Use your right to an attorney to your advantage, and hire a premier criminal defense firm with knowledge related to both criminal and juvenile law. For over a decade, Grabel & Associates has been effectively fighting for the rights of clients statewide, and we will work to continue our success in your unique case.

Contact Grabel & Associates Michigan Juvenile Crime Law Firm

Call 1-800-342-7896 toll free right now for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call whether you have been charged with an offense, or are calling on behalf of your child who has been accused of a crime. Our confidential consultation will help you prepare for the next steps of your case, and help you understand your rights and how to use them to your advantage. You can also contact us online and ask to set up a free consultation. Work with Scott Grabel and the experienced team at Grabel & Associates and benefit from years of hands-on experience in the Michigan justice system.