Las Vegas Juvenile Crime Attorney

The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that traditional statutory and criminal procedural rules that apply in adult court do not apply to juvenile court proceedings. In fact, juvenile courts in Nevada do not have jury trials, and matters handled before the juvenile court are not considered criminal in nature. Nevada state legislature declared in 2003 that one of the goals of the juvenile justice system is to promote programs that have missions to prevent children from becoming subject to the court’s jurisdiction. Nevada is also part of the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, which promotes communication and cooperation between participating states when a juvenile offender has left the state of residence.

Although the state of Nevada believes that juvenile courts should provide rehabilitation and positive intervention to prevent future criminal acts, this doesn’t mean that there are no penalties for juvenile crimes. Children who are convicted of a juvenile offense in Las Vegas may be put into juvenile detention facilities, and a child’s life could be significantly altered if found guilty of a juvenile crime. If there is potential to have a child’s crime reduced or dropped altogether, you must seek representation from a Las Vegas juvenile defense lawyer. Don’t let a mistake shape your child’s future, call the Spartacus Law Firm today and learn more about how we can help.

There are many different crimes that a juvenile can be charged with in the state of Nevada. However, there are some juvenile offenses that are much more common than others. At the Spartacus Law Firm, our Las Vegas juvenile crime attorney has extensive experience handling these cases and will have the resources and knowledge needed to help you and your child. Below are some of the most common types of delinquent acts or crimes prosecuted in the juvenile courts throughout Clark County:

• Possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia
• Criminal mischief of graffiti
• Shoplifting or theft
• Trespassing
• Burglary or robbery
• Violation of probation
• Battery or other crimes of violence
• Sexual misconduct with a younger child
• Underage DUI
• Drug crimes
• Violent crimes
• Sex crimes
• Weapons charges
• Vandalism
• Gang-related crimes

First, it’s important to understand that a juvenile offender who is charged as an adult will be subject to the same criminal process and penalties if convicted, including adult prison. However, penalties are no more lenient for a child charged with a juvenile crime than they would be for an adult charged with the same crime. The specific penalties for a juvenile offense will depend on the crime and circumstances surrounding it. More serious juvenile offenses, and those committed by repeat delinquents, will generally be subjected to stricter consequences. In addition to confinement in juvenile hall or a juvenile correctional facility, your child may also face the following legal consequences, these are also known as dispositional orders:

• Being sent to their home under the custody and supervision of a suitable person
• Being committed to the custody of a licensed public or private institution
• Being permitted to live in a residence without adult supervision under the strict supervision of the court
• Court-ordered work crew community service
• Being ordered to complete a specific program
• Driver’s license suspended for at least 90 days
• Substantial financial fines or restitution to victim
• Required medical or psychological care or referral to counseling
• Required drug and alcohol abuse counseling or treatment
• Commitment to a detention facility
• Commitment to the custody of the Division of Child and Family Services
• Designating that you have been charged with a juvenile crime on college or employment applications
• Letter of apology
• No gang activity
• No contact order with certain people or places
• Participation in classes run by the probation department aimed at developing skills in areas such as victim awareness, family wellness, basic skills, job training or anger management

In the state of Nevada, most juvenile charges are sealed once the child turns 21 years old. However, some of the more serious juvenile offenses may stay on your child’s permanent record until they reach thirty years of age. It goes without saying that a juvenile conviction on your child’s criminal record can be a life-altering moment. There are many different aspects of life that can be negatively impacted including future employment, career, or educational opportunities. In serious juvenile cases where a minor has committed a violent crime or has engaged in repeated delinquent conduct, the child may be certified as an adult, which would result in them being tried in an adult court. Acquiring a skilled juvenile crime attorney in Clark County will provide you and your child with the best opportunity to secure the optimal outcome in your case.