Juvenile Law

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DUI Criminal Defense

If you have a DUI charge in the Northern Virginia area, the experienced lawyers at Westlake can help

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Juvenile Criminal Lawyers in Northern Virginia

Being charged with a crime as a juvenile is a life-altering experience that no one should battle alone. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime as a juvenile, you’ll need to secure the proper representation from a team of knowledgeable attorneys.Westlake Legal Group provides the comprehensive juvenile criminal defense services Northern Virginia residents need following a juvenile charge. Our team will act as your ally, helping you navigate every step of the legal process to secure the best outcome. Contact Westlake Legal Group to get the juvenile lawyer you need today.

Common Juvenile Crimes in Northern Virginia

The following are just a few of the most commonly seen juvenile criminal cases in Northern Virginia:

  • Underage drinking
  • Identification fraud
  • Possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia
  • Drunken & disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Trespassing
  • Theft & shoplifting
  • Underage driving

If you’ve been convicted of any of the aforementioned crimes, or if you've been charged with a more serious crime and are under the age of 18, you’ll need a juvenile criminal defense attorney to help litigate your case. Contact our team to understand what legal options may be available to you.

Understanding Your Rights as a Juvenile

At any age, it’s important to understand the rights you have as an American citizen. You should always have your Miranda rights read to you if you are arrested for any reason. These rights include:

  • The right to remain silent.
  • Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
  • You have the right to an attorney.
  • If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.

Once placed in police custody, it’s always a good idea to politely say that you will remain silent until an attorney is present. If you have been placed under arrest as a juvenile, reach out to the attorneys at Westlake Legal Group for the immediate assistance you need.

FAQs for Juvenile Criminal Defense in Virginia

Can I be tried as an adult if I’m not over the age of 19?

Yes — if a juvenile has committed a serious crime, they may be tried as an adult. Particularly in the case of violent crimes, the juvenile will be tried as an adult if they are over the age of 14 and probable cause has been established that they committed the crime.

Can I be sent to prison for a juvenile crime?

In rare circumstances, a juvenile may be sentenced to regular jail or federal imprisonment. If they are near the age of adulthood at the time the crime is committed, they may even receive a blended sentence, spending a certain amount of time in a juvenile detention center and then be transferred into an adult facility once they come of age.

Do juvenile crimes affect your adult record?

It depends. In Virginia, expungement (removal of items from a criminal record) happens automatically for some offenses. Misdemeanor convictions can be expunged when an individual turns 19, as long as it has been five years since the last hearing in the case. However, felony convictions are not expunged; and if the individual goes on to commit additional crimes, the record of conviction may affect future sentencing.

Westlake Legal Group for Northern Virginia’s Juvenile Defense

Whether you or a loved one has been charged with a juvenile crime, you need the right defense team to litigate the case properly and secure the best outcome. Westlake Legal Group has years of experience providing juveniles with the representation they need to successfully litigate their cases. Contact our team to get the legal representation you need following a juvenile criminal charge.

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Disclaimer

The information on this website is for informational purposes only; it is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. It does not constitute professional advice. All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details.