The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan

Juvenile Court Offenders in Michigan

As many adults know, being arrested can have a negative impact on a person’s life for as long as they live.  In many cases, the legal process is long and hard and if a person is convicted of the charges filed against them, a convict will have a permanent record for years to come. Prosecutors all across Michigan are known to be very aggressive and they go after criminal convictions with a zeal that is staggering. Thankfully, there is a fairly new law in Michigan that will allow young people a chance to face criminal consequences in juvenile court rather than in adult court.

This new law will have a positive impact on thousands of young people in Michigan who get arrested every year for committing a crime. If you are facing juvenile charges or charges as an adult, you need to contact a tough and successful attorney like Shawn Haff to get you the best results possible.  Having a lawyer like Shawn on your side can help you protect your future and and mitigate the damages you may face from a criminal conviction.

Contact Shawn now at 616-438-6719. Shawn will be happy to talk to you about your case.

LAW CONSIDERS MORE TEENAGERS AS JUVENILES INSTEAD OF ADULTS

Under current Michigan law, a person who is arrested on criminal charges as a 17 year old is considered an adult. Governor Whitmer has signed a bill though that will change that in October of 2021. A person who is only 17 years old when they are arrested will be now considered an adult. Being charged as an juvenile has many advantages:

  •  A more supportive setting: The juvenile court process focuses on improving the offender’s life. The goal is to avoid incarcerating the juvenile. Juvenile court officers work with the parents of the offender in order to help the minor improve their behavior and improved behavior means less crimes being committed.
  •  Counseling offered: Juvenile offenders generally have access to alcohol and drug therapy as well as counseling. Getting assistance from these types of programs is very helpful to everyone and exceptionally helpful to minors as they seek to improve their lot in life.
  •  Impact on offender’s record: A permanent record comes with many adult offenses. A criminal record can make it very difficult to find employment, find housing, or enroll in higher education. It’s easier for someone to move on with their lives in the months and years after going through the juvenile court process.

 

It’s important to understand that this impact will not be universal. The law prevents all 17-year-olds from being automatically thrown into the adult court. In some circumstances, a minor can still be charged as an adult. Reasons why a minor maybe charged as an adult include:  the nature of the felony committed, the criminal record of the child and the mental health of the offender.

HOW CAN SHAWN HELP A MINOR CHARGED WITH A CRIME

The legal challenges that someone faces after an arrest can weigh even the strongest person down. Shawn encourages parents to protect their child by moving fast after they have been arrested or notified that they are being charged with a crime. Shawn has a great track record of results with his clients in juvenile court.  An experienced defense lawyer like Shawn can help your child after they are arrested by:

  •  Move your child’s case into juvenile court: Shawn can act quickly to help you child get your case into juvenile court.  Shawn will do this by showing that juvenile court would be more fair when it comes to getting the best outcome for society with your child.
  •  Shawn will work closely with the referee and court officer: These court officials manage juvenile cases and outcomes. Shawn will work closely with the referee and court officer to make sure that your child does not suffer an detrimental outcome after your arrest.
  •  Resolve your case by getting a great result: Shawn can make it clear to the court referee that your case must be dropped. Shawn can make it clear that your child should at least avoid time in custody. Shawn will work on getting your child counseling or community service would satisfy the court while also keeping your child out of a juvenile detention center.

CONTACT SHAWN NOW AFTER AN ARREST

It is great news that Michigan has a new law which raises the age juvenile offenders to 17 years old. A 17 year old youth is not going to automatically end up on adult court. As the above article has pointed out, being in juvenile court has many more benefits when compared to adult court.  Do not let your child face juvenile charges without a lawyer by their side. Call Shawn now at 616-438-6719. Shawn will get your child the best results possible! The call is free so call now!

For more information in juvenile criminal procedure in Michigan, please check out this informative site.

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