The Consequences Of A Juvenile Criminal Charge In Massachusetts

Few events are as stressful for a parent as the arrest of their child. Seeing them taken away by the police or receiving a phone call that they are in law enforcement custody is a terrifying experience. However, it is crucial to stay calm and take the right actions. This article aims to help you understand:

• The possible consequences of a juvenile conviction on your child’s freedom, job, and education.
• Why your child needs a good defense lawyer, even if they intend to plead guilty.
• Strategies and examples to ensure the best defense and protect your child’s freedom.

If My Child Is A First-Time Offender, Will They See Jail Time For A Criminal Charge In Massachusetts?

If your first thought is that your child will go to jail, you can rest assured that, in most cases, they will not be facing “hard time”. While the possible sentence depends on the specific charges, the vast majority of juveniles charged for the first time do not go to jail.

It is important to remember that there are many alternative programs available, and the juvenile court’s mission differs from that of adult court. Juvenile court focuses more on rehabilitation, assistance, and finding ways to correct bad behavior at an early age rather than punishing or isolating those convicted of a crime.

These courts handle cases for kids between the ages of 12 and 18, offering diversion programs and probationary statuses that can result in dismissal after a period of time. Additionally, in juvenile court, you can often secure more favorable outcomes with the right representation compared to adult court.

This is why, if your child has been charged with a crime, it is crucial to seek experienced legal representation immediately to ensure the best possible outcome.

Will My Child’s Employer Be Notified If They Are Charged With A Crime?

A common source of immediate stress for many parents is concern over their child’s present or future employment options. Fortunately, juvenile court records are typically sealed once the child reaches the age of 18, so future employers will not be notified of any criminal convictions from before that age.

Furthermore, the juvenile court system operates privately, and its proceedings are closed to the public. This means that the results of these cases are not disseminated to employers. As a result, even your child’s current employer may not be aware of the proceedings or their outcomes – and most future employers will not be notified, with some exceptions for certain sensitive convictions and positions.

Attorney Matthew Kelley is a criminal defense lawyer who served for over ten years as a prosecutor in Massachusetts before creating his private practice. In the years since, he has helped teenagers, juveniles, and students from across the state defend themselves against criminal or juvenile charges to preserve their futures and freedoms.

If your child has been charged with a crime in Massachusetts, it is time to contact Matthew P. Kelley, Attorney At Law, and schedule a consultation immediately.

Call For A Free Consultation - (508) 952-6565

Will Having A Criminal Record Negatively Impact My Child’s Academic Career?

For many parents, concerns about their child’s education are often the most troubling. Unfortunately, these fears tend to be well-founded as colleges and universities are likely to impose direct consequences for a criminal charge.

Firstly, certain school applications require students to disclose any criminal charges on record. Given that most college applicants are under 18, it is more likely that they will have to disclose a juvenile conviction because their records will not yet be sealed. Additionally, if your child is already in school, certain charges can prompt schools to take direct action against their students, especially if the incident occurred on campus or school grounds.

Administrators and principals have broad discretion to take action based on events that occurred in their school. They could expel a student for a felony and impose disciplinary actions even for minor misdemeanors.

Furthermore, having a criminal record can significantly impact your child’s future academic career. This is why it is crucial to work diligently to avoid a conviction with the help of an experienced defense attorney, even if your child is considering pleading guilty.

If My Child Intends To Plead Guilty To A Criminal Charge, Do They Still Need A Defense Attorney?

In Massachusetts, the term for pleading guilty for juveniles is “pleading delinquent.” However, do not let the terminology deceive you; it is very much an admission of guilt and responsibility and must be approached with caution.

Anytime your child admits to wrongdoing in court, resulting in them being subject to the court’s conditions, you need to consult with a lawyer. Neither you nor your child should ever stand before a judge and negotiate with a district attorney without proper representation.

There are too many variables you may not be aware of, concepts you may not understand, and perspectives you both need to consider before pleading. It would be careless not to seek legal counsel in such situations.

Helping Parents And Representing Children Is Important To Us

Juvenile cases are understandably stressful for parents, and it’s natural to feel scared for your kids. At my office, I frequently speak with concerned moms and dads, always striving to find ways to help.

Although juvenile cases are always serious and sometimes quite distressing, one positive aspect for me as a criminal defense attorney is the significant impact I can make in juvenile court. The outcome of these cases can profoundly impact a young person, their parents, and even the entire family.

What’s more, juvenile court offers many more avenues and possibilities to explore compared to adult criminal court. From placing the child in the right program to negotiating with the DA’s office for diversion to keep the case off their record, each option can be vital.

As a parent, you cannot be expected to know or understand all these options, but you can take one vital action to ensure a better outcome for your child: calling my firm. It would be my pleasure to walk you through each step of the process and help find the best possible outcome for you and your family.

For more information on The Consequences Of A Juvenile Criminal Charge In Massachusetts, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (508) 952-6565 today.