Our Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama are Ready to Fight For You or Your Child
Juvenile defense against criminal charges involves protecting the rights and future of a minor accused of committing offenses. In Birmingham, Alabama, the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment, but the implications of criminal charges can still be significant for a young person’s life. Our dedicated legal team at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC is here to provide guidance, protect your child’s rights, and pursue a positive resolution.
When a juvenile faces criminal charges, the stakes are high. The resolution of their case can impact their education, career opportunities, and future. At our Birmingham law firm, we understand the challenges families face during this difficult time, and we take steps to protect each of these facets of a young person’s life.
Call us at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your consultation that includes a free case evaluation with our case evaluator in Birmingham. We are ready to fight for you.
Key Takeaways
- Juvenile cases in Alabama focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
- Juveniles have specific legal protections, including the right to an attorney and confidentiality of records.
- A skilled criminal defense attorney for juveniles at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC can guide you through the complexities of juvenile law and advocate for the child’s future.
- The juvenile defense attorneys at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC can protect a juvenile’s rights, challenge evidence, and seek to minimize long-term impact of a criminal charge or conviction while providing emotional support and guiding a family through this challenging process.
- The case evaluator at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC provides free case evaluations to families with a juvenile facing criminal charges in Birmingham, Alabama when they request a consultation.
Common Situations Requiring Juvenile Criminal Defense
Allegations of the following types of actions by juveniles often lead to criminal charges in Birmingham, Alabama:
- Shoplifting or Theft: Cases involving stolen goods, often stemming from peer pressure or impulsive decisions.
- Vandalism: Damage to property, such as graffiti or destruction of school property.
- Drug or Alcohol Possession: Charges related to underage possession or use of controlled substances, such as drug possession, underage drinking, or underage DUI.
- Assault or Violent Offenses: Physical altercations or other acts of aggression.
- Sexual Offenses: Allegations involving inappropriate conduct, which carry significant legal and social consequences.
If your child faces juvenile crime charges in Birmingham or surrounding areas in Jefferson County, schedule a consultation with The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC. Our case evaluator will conduct a free case evaluation, and we can highlight opportunities to build a strategic defense case to protect your child’s future.
Aspects of Juvenile Defense in Alabama
Criminal cases in Alabama consider the following when the defendant is a juvenile:
- Jurisdiction of Juvenile Court: Alabama juvenile courts handle cases involving individuals under 18 accused of delinquent acts, which are offenses that would be considered crimes if committed by adults (Ala. Code § 12-15-102). Alabama considers a person aged 19 years or older to be an adult, and there are some circumstances for which the criminal justice system will give juvenile court jurisdiction for the trial of young individuals between 18 and 19 years. However, serious offenses may lead to a transfer to adult court (Ala. Code § 12-15-203).
- Legal Protections for Juveniles: Juveniles have the right to legal representation, the right to confront witnesses, and protection against self-incrimination during proceedings (Ala. Code § 12-15-202). Juvenile records and proceedings are generally confidential to protect the minor’s privacy (Ala. Code § 12-15-132, Ala. Code § 12-15-129).
- Focus on Rehabilitation: The juvenile system emphasizes rehabilitation through counseling, education programs, and community service — rather than incarceration (Ala. Code § 12-15-215).
Seek legal counsel from a Birmingham juvenile crimes lawyer at our criminal defense firm to protect your child’s rights and interests under Alabama Law. Request a free case evaluation with our case evaluator at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC.
Implications of Criminal Charges for Juveniles
A criminal record can affect the life of a juvenile in Birmingham, Alabama well into the future. These points underscore the importance of working with a skilled juvenile defense lawyer when facing charges for juvenile crimes:
- Educational Impact: Criminal charges can disrupt schooling and may affect future educational opportunities, including college admissions.
- Employment Challenges: A juvenile record can create barriers to employment, as some employers may access these records during background checks.
- Potential Transfer to Adult Court: For serious offenses, juveniles may face adult court proceedings, exposing them to harsher penalties and a permanent criminal record.
- Collateral Consequences: Convictions for certain offenses may require registration as a sex offender or could restrict firearm ownership into adulthood.
At The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC, we believe a single moment shouldn’t define your future. Request a free case evaluation with our case evaluator in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Juvenile Criminal Defense Process in Birmingham, Alabama
The process for juvenile criminal cases in Birmingham, Alabama involves the following steps:
- Intake Assessment: A juvenile probation officer evaluates the case to determine if it can be resolved informally (Ala. Code § 12-15-118).
- Detention Hearing: If the juvenile is detained, a hearing occurs within 72 hours to decide if continued detention is necessary (Ala. Code § 12-15-207).
- Petition and Initial Hearing: Formal charges are filed, and the juvenile is informed of their rights and charges. They may admit or deny the allegations.
- Adjudicatory Hearing: Similar to a trial, the judge determines whether the juvenile committed the alleged act. There is no jury in juvenile court.
- Disposition Hearing: If the juvenile is found delinquent, the court decides on appropriate consequences, focusing on rehabilitation (Ala. Code § 12-15-215).
- Post-Disposition: Probation or aftercare programs may follow, helping the juvenile reintegrate into the community (Ala. Code § 12-15-215).
Our juvenile defense lawyers at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC can provide guidance and committed representation throughout this process to protect your child’s interests.
How a Juvenile Defense Attorney Can Help
A Birmingham juvenile crimes lawyer at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC can help a juvenile defendant and their family throughout this process by:
- Protecting Rights: We advocate for the juvenile’s constitutional rights, including protection against self-incrimination and unlawful searches.
- Advocating for Rehabilitation: Our attorneys work to present alternatives to detention, such as counseling or community service, focusing on the juvenile’s growth and development.
- Challenging Evidence: Our committed legal representation involves scrutinizing the evidence to identify weaknesses or procedural errors in the case.
- Addressing Complex Laws: Our attorneys understand Alabama’s juvenile laws and use this knowledge to build a strong defense.
- Minimizing Long-Term Impact: We work to reduce the consequences of charges, protecting the juvenile’s education and career prospects.
- Providing Emotional Support: We guide families through the legal process, offering clarity and reassurance during a stressful time.
Juvenile criminal charges carry significant implications, but with proper legal defense from a Birmingham juvenile crimes lawyer at The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC, it is possible to address the charges while prioritizing the juvenile’s future. We can identify the right next steps for your unique case during a free case evaluation.
Take Action Today and Schedule Your Consultation with The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama
If your child is facing criminal charges, don’t try to handle this alone. Our Birmingham juvenile criminal defense attorneys are here to review the facts and allegations and then pursue your child’s best interests under the juvenile justice system in Alabama. We are ready to fight and protect your child’s future.
Contact The Hazzard Law Firm, LLC at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 or complete our confidential contact form to schedule your consultation, which includes a free case evaluation with our case evaluator.
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