Juvenile Crimes Attorneys in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Juvenile crimes involve theft, traffic violations, simple assault, harassment, truancy, vandalism, and other offenses committed by someone under 18 years. In Pennsylvania, a person facing a delinquency petition must go through the juvenile justice system to determine their fate. If the minor is determined to be a delinquent child, they may be subject to probation, community service, strict rules, license suspension, or juvenile detention facility, depending on the surrounding circumstances. 

If your child has been arrested for a juvenile crime, hiring a highly-skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is imperative for detailed guidance. At Rapa Law Office, P.C., we provide aggressive representation and reliable advocacy to children under 18 years and their parents in their juvenile crime cases. Our dependable team will fight to defend your child’s legal rights and help keep their record as clean as possible. 

Rapa Law Office, P.C. proudly serves clients across Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas, including Northampton, Lehighton, Walnutport, Palmerton, Jim Thorpe, Slatington, and Bethlehem. 

Delinquency under Pennsylvania Law 

Juvenile delinquency occurs when a person under 18 years old commits an act that would be considered a criminal offense if it was committed by an adult. Under Pennsylvania Law, a delinquent act is an act considered to be a crime in the state that is committed by a child, except murder, rape, aggravated assault, or violent offense involving a deadly weapon. 

Examples of Juvenile Crimes 

Some common juvenile crimes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania include: 

• Simple assault or battery 

• Theft or larceny 

• Traffic violations 

• Burglary 

• Vandalism 

• Marijuana possession 

• Truancy 

• Harassment 

• Possession of a weapon 

• Disorderly conduct 

• Alcohol-related offenses 

However, juvenile crimes are tried differently from crimes committed by adults. A child who has been arrested and petitioned for a juvenile crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will go through the juvenile court system. A practiced attorney can tell you about the juvenile court process and help strategize a solid defense for your child. 

The Juvenile Court Process in Pennsylvania 

As previously mentioned, a child facing a juvenile petition will go through the juvenile court system, which is quite different from the adult criminal justice system. The purpose of the juvenile court system is to offer rehabilitation, family support, and community activity to the delinquent child while avoiding the life-altering consequences of a criminal charge or conviction. Here’s how the juvenile court system works: 

Arrest: When the police receive a report of – or witnesses – a juvenile crime, they will arrest the child for the delinquent act. 

Probation Intake: Upon the arrest, the child will go through the probation intake instead of detention. The child’s parent or guardian will meet with the probation intake officer to determine the next steps. 

Delinquency Petition: Instead of a criminal charge, the court will issue a delinquency petition accusing the child of committing a delinquent act. A court date will be scheduled for the adjudication hearing. 

Adjudication Hearing: The adjudication hearing must occur within 90 days of the petition or 10 days if the child is placed in detention. At the hearing, the child may either deny or admit to the accusations. Depending on the available evidence and arguments, the judge may dismiss the petition or find the child delinquent. 

Disposition Hearing: If the child is found guilty of the offense, a disposition hearing will be scheduled to determine the right legal consequences. The possible legal consequences include: 

• Probation 

• Community service 

• Restitution to the victim 

• Participating in court-ordered services 

• Participating in community activities 

• Strict rules about attending school 

• Placement in a facility outside the parent’s home. 

• Placement in a juvenile detention facility.

A Pennsylvania juvenile crimes attorney can represent your child throughout the court proceedings and seek to ensure that they’re not found guilty or tried as an adult. 

When a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult 

A minor may be tried as an adult in Pennsylvania if: 

• They are charged with murder, regardless of age. 

• They are at least 15 years old and committed the offense with a deadly offense or have a prior conviction for violent acts, such as rape, kidnapping, robbery, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. 

• They are accused of committing a summary offense, such as some traffic violations, underage drinking, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct.  

A seasoned lawyer can advocate for your child’s best interests, ensure that they’re tried at the juvenile court, and help you avoid parental liability. 

Parent’s Liability in Pennsylvania 

Under Pennsylvania law, if your child is found liable or adjudged guilty of committing a willful, tortious act, you (the parent or guardian) shall be liable to the victim. In addition, the victim may be entitled to recover a maximum compensation of $1,000 for injuries to one person or $2,500 for total injuries sustained by two or more victims. 

Work With a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney 

Being accused of a juvenile crime can be a terrifying experience for any child. Unfortunately, a juvenile crime conviction could expose the child’s freedom, education, quality of life, and future opportunities to potential risks. Therefore, if your child has been arrested for a juvenile crime, you need to talk with a reliable criminal defense attorney to help uphold their rights. 

At Rapa Law Office, P.C., we have the skills and resources to protect children arrested on delinquency charges from the worst-case scenario. As your attorney, we can investigate every aspect of your child’s case and craft an effective defense strategy to help fight the allegations. With our extensive knowledge, we will help you and your child navigate the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system and represent them vigorously at every phase of the legal process.