Is your child facing charges for juvenile crimes in Cleveland, OH? Children do not always make sound decisions. If your child has been arrested, you must treat the matter as seriously as an adult criminal offense. A juvenile conviction could result in your child spending time in a juvenile detention facility and a criminal record following them.
There are steps you can take to help protect your child’s future. The first is to hire an experienced Cleveland juvenile crimes lawyer to represent your child.
At The Elkhatib Law Office, our criminal defense attorneys have years of experience. National organizations have awarded our lawyers top ratings and recognition for their legal services, including Avvo and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. We also received the Client’s Choice Award from Avvo in 2021.
Call us today at (216) 334-3444 to schedule a consultation, or contact us online to discuss your child’s case with an attorney.
How The Elkhatib Law Office Can Help Your Child With Your Juvenile Crimes Charges in Ohio
Navigating the juvenile justice system in Cleveland, Ohio can be frightening and overwhelming. Your child’s freedom could be at stake, and a conviction could ruin their future. At The Elkhatib Law Office, we understand the consequences of a juvenile criminal conviction. Our legal team will aggressively pursue all potential defense options and fiercely advocate for your child.
When you hire our Cleveland criminal defense lawyers, you can trust us to:
- Explain the criminal charges against your child and the potential outcomes for a conviction
- Investigate the circumstances that led to the charges against your child, including analyzing the evidence the state has to prove the crime
- Explore various defense strategies
- Gather evidence supporting your child’s defense, including working with expert witnesses if necessary
- Negotiate with the state to obtain alternative dispute resolution, including pre-trial intervention and treatment programs, whenever possible
- Advocate for your child at all court hearings and trials
In addition to creating legal strategies for your child’s defense, we will work to ensure your child is treated with respect and dignity.
Contact our law office to schedule a case evaluation with an experienced Cleveland juvenile crimes attorney. We fight for fair treatment and just outcomes for all our clients.
Overview of Juvenile Delinquency Cases in Cleveland, OH
Ohio does not group all children who commit criminal acts into one category. Instead, under state law, there are three categories of juvenile delinquency based on the severity and frequency of the offenses committed.
Unruly Child
Ohio Revised Code §2151.022 defines an unruly child as:
- A child who does not comply with reasonable control by the child’s parents, teachers, custodians, or guardians by being habitually disobedient or wayward;
- A child who habitually misses school;
- A child whose conduct could injure or endanger their morals or health or the morals or health of others; OR,
- A child who breaks the law.
The exception would be if a child broke the laws related to minors purchasing firearms, tobacco products, and pseudoephedrine/ephedrine products or being on the premises of an adult entertainment establishment.
Juvenile Delinquent
Ohio Revised Code §2152.02 defines a juvenile delinquent as a minor under 18 years old whose actions would be misdemeanor or felony criminal offenses if performed by an adult.
Examples of offenses committed by juvenile delinquents include, but are not limited to:
- Vandalism and arson
- Driving under the influence
- Assault and battery
- Disorderly conduct
- Possession of alcohol by a minor
- Firearms and weapons offenses
- Receiving stolen property
- Shoplifting and other theft crimes
- Drug possession and trafficking
- Burglary
- Rape, sexual assault, and other sex crimes
- Attempted murder and murder
The most serious offenses are often referred to the Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS). Additionally, felonies and violent crimes could result in a minor being tried as an adult.
Serious Youthful Offender
If a juvenile delinquent is convicted of a felony, they could be sent to the Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS). A serious youthful offender sentence combines a juvenile sentence with a sentence usually given to an adult convicted of the same crime.
What Court Handles Juvenile Offenses in Cleveland, OH?
Juvenile crimes are typically heard in juvenile, teen, or adult courts. Several factors determine which court handles a juvenile criminal case, including the child’s age, the criminal offense, the child’s criminal history, and the severity of the offense.
Juvenile court handles most criminal cases involving offenders under 18. It is similar to criminal court for adults. The child has the right to be represented by an attorney and can present a defense to the charges. However, there are no juries in juvenile court.
Teen Court
Teen Court is more of an intervention program than a “court.” The “trials” are conducted by and decided by other teens. The purpose is to keep low-level, first-time offenders out of the juvenile justice system and prevent them from having a criminal record.
An offender may qualify for Teen Court if the offender:
- Is between the ages of 11 and 17 years old
- Is a first-time offender charged with a misdemeanor offense
- Is willing to admit they committed the crime
- Has the consent of their parent or guardian to participate in the program
- Is willing to commit to the 5-week program
Generally, a juvenile in Teen Court is required to apologize to the victims of their crime. They must also perform community service and attend counseling. As part of the program, they must serve as jurors in another Teen Court case and complete a lengthy essay.
Once a juvenile completes all Teen Court requirements, they are released from the program without a criminal record.
Adult Court
Some juvenile cases may be transferred to adult criminal court. The law requires the following cases to be moved to adult court:
- The minor is 14 or 15 years old, has a criminal record, and is accused of committing murder, attempted murder, or another category one crime.
- The minor is 16 or 17 years old and is accused of committing manslaughter, rape, aggravated burglary while carrying a firearm, or other category two crime.
- The minor is 16 or 17 years old and is accused of committing murder, attempted murder, or another category one crime.
Judges may also move juvenile cases to adult court if the minor is 14 years old or older and accused of committing a felony offense. However, judges must consider several factors before transferring a minor to an adult criminal court.
For instance, judges take into account factors such as whether the crime was motivated by hate (e.g., based on the victim’s gender, race, sexual orientation, or religion), whether the offender is affiliated with a gang, the extent of the victim’s physical or emotional harm, and the offender’s criminal history.
Minors being tried in adult criminal court can face harsh penalties. It is crucial to seek help from an experienced Ohio criminal defense lawyer.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Ohio?
The penalties for juvenile crimes depend on numerous factors. In many cases, the penalties are not as severe as adult sentences. A sentence for a juvenile crime could include:
- Curfews and drug monitoring
- Probation house arrest
- Community services
- Suspended driver’s license or delay in obtaining a driver’s license
- Alcohol and/or drug treatment or counseling
- Payment of fines and court costs
- Requirement to obtain a high school diploma
- Psychological or medical treatment and counseling
- Placement in a detention facility
- Confinement in temporary or permanent custody
If a minor is convicted as an adult, they could be sentenced to imprisonment. In some cases, a minor may be committed until they reach 21 years old. Aggressive defense is the best way to protect your child’s rights.
What Should I Do if My Child Is Arrested in Cleveland, OH?
Try to remain calm. Seeing your child handcuffed and taken away by the police is overwhelming, but you need to think clearly for your child’s sake.
Your child has the right to legal counsel. As soon as possible, hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent your child. Such a lawyer would understand the juvenile justice system and could advise you on the next steps to take.
Your child’s lawyer can handle all legal matters for your child. As their parent, you can support your child by providing emotional support, attending all hearings, and communicating with your child as much as possible. Remember, all communications are monitored, so never speak about the case or other matters that could be used against your child.
Collaborate with your child’s attorney. Provide information and documentation the attorney requests. Encourage your child to be honest with their attorney.
Learn More During a Consultation With Our Cleveland Juvenile Crimes Lawyers
Our legal team provides support, guidance, and sound legal advice as we help you and your child navigate the criminal justice process. If you want more information or to hire our law firm to handle your child’s case, call The Elkhatib Law Office to discuss your child’s situation with a Cleveland juvenile crimes attorney. Your consultation is confidential.