Baltimore, Maryland Juvenile Crimes Lawyers

Attorneys Assisting With Juvenile Court Cases in Baltimore

The juvenile justice system in Maryland is vastly different from the adult court system. When a person has been charged with a crime as a juvenile, it is important to hire an attorney who has experience handling juvenile matters. The juvenile justice system's purpose is not to punish the child, but to get the child the appropriate treatment so that the child does not continue their criminal behavior. At Silverman Thompson, we can help minors and their families resolve these cases successfully.

Juvenile Courts and Adult Courts

The juvenile justice system has jurisdiction over crimes committed by anyone under the age of 18. Juvenile courts also have jurisdiction for probation purposes up until a person reaches the age of 21. Even though the juvenile system has jurisdiction over anyone under the age of 18, there are certain crimes for which a child may be charged as an adult. Examples include murder, rape, armed robbery, and handgun offenses.

Children as young as 14 can only be charged as adults for murder or rape. To be charged as an adult for a robbery or handgun offense, the child must be at least 16 years old. Jurisdiction may be transferred back to the juvenile system under certain circumstances, but securing this outcome will require experience and skillful legal representation.

There are also circumstances under which the state may attempt to have jurisdiction transferred from a juvenile court to the adult system, even for less serious crimes. In these cases, the state will file a waiver to the adult system, and a prosecutor will need to convince the court that the juvenile is not likely to benefit from treatment or services within the juvenile justice system. If the state is successful, a juvenile can face the prospect of a permanent criminal record and even incarceration in the adult penal system. For these reasons, it is important to take juvenile cases seriously, regardless of whether a minor is originally charged in the adult or juvenile system.

How Juvenile Cases Are Handled

One of the most significant differences between juvenile and adult courts is that in juvenile courts, minors are not entitled to a trial by jury. One judge will hear all the evidence in the case and decide if there is evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime occurred. If a judge finds that a crime occurred, they must decide if the child needs services from the juvenile system and is therefore delinquent. If the child is determined to be delinquent, the case will move to the sentencing phase, where a juvenile may receive probation, counseling, or be placed in a residential juvenile facility.

The sentencing phase of a juvenile hearing may involve many parties. The judge may hear testimony from the state, a representative from juvenile services, the parents of the child, and any other witnesses the child wants to speak on their behalf.

Often, sentencing is delayed so that evaluations by doctors or psychologists can be completed to help a judge make their decision. An experienced and effective attorney can be invaluable in ensuring that sentencing information is presented to the court in as favorable a light as possible to the juvenile.

Contact Our Baltimore, MD Juvenile Crimes Attorneys

When addressing juvenile charges, it is extremely important for parents to hire a knowledgeable, experienced, and connected juvenile defense attorney for their child. At Silverman Thompson, our attorneys include former prosecutors who have insight into the juvenile justice system and know the strategies that will result in the best outcome for a child. We have achieved extraordinary results in juvenile court cases involving serious offenses such as murder, robbery, rape, assault, as well as simple violations such as liquor violations, disorderly conduct, and loitering. To get legal help in a case involving juvenile offenses or a related matter, contact our Baltimore juvenile criminal defense lawyers at 410-385-2225 and schedule a free consultation.