White Plains Juvenile Defense Lawyer

Defending Your Son or Daughter in Westchester County, NY

If your son or daughter has been accused of a crime by law enforcement, you are most likely justifiably alarmed. How will such an arrest affect your child’s future? What will the consequences be and how best can you move forward? You will likely have little understanding in how the juvenile justice system works and what to expect. At such a difficult time, it is vital that you obtain the guidance and counsel of a criminal defense lawyer who can help you navigate the system and represent you and your child with a strong defense in any court hearings.

The Law Office of Anthony Strazza can provide competent and caring legal assistance at this difficult time. We can answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you navigate the system towards the most optimum outcome possible. As a former Bronx Assistant District Attorney and criminal law defender for well over a decade, our White Plains juvenile crimes defense attorney is fully-versed in the laws and procedures to which your son or daughter will be subject. Our firm can argue on behalf of your minor or teen before a Juvenile Judge to ensure that you have a solid defense.

Facing the arrest of your son or daughter? Reach out to our firm at (914) 354-3088 or contact us online to schedule a free, initial consultation about your legal situation today.

Juvenile Crimes in New York

Minors can commit the same crimes as adults in New York, leading to arrests by law enforcement. However, some crimes are more typical than others.

The Law Office of Anthony Strazza can assist you in defending all misdemeanors and felonies, including (but not limited to):

• Underage drinking and using a fake ID

• Shoplifting

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

• Open container of alcohol while driving

• Drug possession and other drug charges

• Vandalism or graffiti

• Disorderly conduct

• Simple assault

• Sexting (sending sexually explicit photos or material via text)

• Sexual assault

• Speeding

• Reckless driving

• Trespassing

• Mischief/criminal nuisance

• Gang-related crimes

Juveniles may also be arrested for serious crimes, such as violent felonies.

Under New York law, juveniles are those between the ages of seven and 18 who are found violating the law in some way and taken into custody. While the state operates on the idea of some type of penalty, supervision, or treatment for illegal behavior, the consequences will not result in a criminal record that can negatively impact a child’s future. Rehabilitation programs are emphasized rather than severe punishments unless the offense committed is a serious or violent felony by a juvenile aged 13 or older. In those cases, the child may be tried as an adult and is designated a juvenile offender. All others are designated as juvenile delinquents.

Most juvenile cases, however, are handled within the juvenile justice system where hearings are conducted in a family court and decided by a judge only. Such hearings require the services of an attorney. They are designed to determine the facts regarding the charge against the juvenile. Both sides (the “prosecution” and the defense) will present evidence regarding the case to the judge who will make a decision as to whether the juvenile did or did not commit the accused offense. If the judge rules in favor of the juvenile, that case is dismissed. If against the juvenile, another hearing will be scheduled in which the judge will make a decision as to how the case will be “sentenced,” after certain actions take place.

Making a Strong Defense for Your Child or Adolescent

The Law Office of Anthony Strazza is dedicated to helping your child or adolescent reach the best possible outcome after being accused of a crime. We will take all necessary steps to build a strong defense, to keep your child out of custody, and to ensure that his or her future is not compromised by any mistakes made at such a young age.

Learn more about how we can help by calling (914) 354-3088 today.