Has your child been arrested for a crime and charged with an offense in Las Vegas, Nevada or elsewhere in Nevada? If so, it is important that you talk to a skilled and experienced Las Vegas juvenile criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.
Having your child accused of a criminal act can dramatically change the direction of their life. It could have a significant impact on their future, including their ability to gain admission to college, find work, and live a fulfilling life.
Las Vegas Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
If your child has been charged with a crime and released back into your custody, make sure you consult with a juvenile defense attorney in Las Vegas. The criminal defense attorneys at Adras & Altig are ready to discuss your child’s case, how it could affect their future, and what we can do to seek the best outcome. Issues can include the likelihood of the case being heard in criminal court instead of the juvenile court, and whether the charge will be included in your child’s criminal record.
Some people assume that juvenile law is the same as laws that apply to adults. It’s essential to understand some key differences in the juvenile justice process can make these cases difficult if you do not have experience as an attorney. At Adras & Altig, our skilled and compassionate defense attorneys can take the necessary legal action to fight for your child’s future.
Our experienced Las Vegas juvenile criminal defense attorneys understand how to put together an effective defense for juveniles charged with crimes. We are prepared to fight to help you seek the best possible outcome for your child. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
What Common Juvenile Crimes Are Charged in Las Vegas, NV?
The experienced attorneys at Adras & Altig are well-versed in criminal defense procedures. We can help juvenile clients fight the charges they are facing to help preserve their future.
We represent minors in a wide range of criminal cases, including:
- Drug possession
- Possession or consumption of alcohol
- DUI
- Curfew violation
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Rape
- Sex offenses
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Forgery
- Fraud
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Gun crimes
- Violent crimes
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Manslaughter
The Nevada juvenile justice system can be very complex. It can be tough to navigate without the help of a qualified Las Vegas juvenile defense attorney. If your child has been charged with a crime, more than anything else, you need a juvenile defense attorney capable of keeping them out of the adult system.
How Does the Juvenile Court System Work in Nevada?
A child’s involvement with the juvenile justice system typically begins when a police officer or probation officer takes them into custody for committing a crime, violating probation, or if the officer believes they require supervision.
The parent or guardian of the child is notified. The child is then released into the custody of the parent or guardian on the condition that they will ensure that the child comes to juvenile court for a hearing. If the criminal offense is a serious one, the child may be taken to juvenile court immediately, and the juvenile court may order the child to be detained.
In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, a child under the age of 18 who commits a crime will be tried in juvenile court. There are some cases where juveniles are tried as adults, depending on the nature of the crime and their criminal history. If the alleged crime was committed before their 18th birthday, a youth remains under juvenile court jurisdiction until the age of 21.
At a minor’s first court appearance, they will either admit or deny the allegation against them. On the other hand, in adult court, the defendants either plead guilty or not guilty to the criminal charges. Although juvenile charges are treated less like criminal offenses, the consequences can be similar. If a minor committed a crime, they can be convicted of a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony.
Depending on the nature of the crime, young children may be exempt from punishment. A criminal defense attorney will be able to explain the circumstances of the alleged act and discuss any past criminal allegations with you and your child.
Will My Child Have a Criminal Record If They Have Been Charged as a Minor?
In Nevada, juvenile records are usually sealed when the child turns 21. The court will do it automatically.
Exceptions to this rule are if the minor was charged with:
- Sexual assault
- Battery with intent to commit sexual assault
- Lewdness with a child
- Any felony-level offense involving violence or the threat of violence
If the child still has one of these charges on their criminal record when they reach the age of 21, things get more complicated. They will have to wait until they turn 30 to ask the court to seal it. If they’ve more recently been convicted of any other crime, the court may choose not to seal their record.
