Virginia Beach Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Defending Against Juvenile Crime Charges in Virginia

When children are charged with crimes, we immediately start thinking about their future. What does a criminal record mean to a future school or employer? Is the juvenile record discoverable?

As a parent or guardian, you want to protect your child’s mental, emotional, and physical welfare at all costs. Even if your child did make a mistake, many times the punishment received is far too severe for the behavior, and only causes further damage to your child’s well-being.

If there are ways to avoid court and avoid convictions, we should explore those. If there is a way to challenge the facts of the case, we should not be too afraid to do it. The future of these children is often a stake - your lawyer should take the time to study the situation and develop a strategy. Let’s make sure the punishment fits the crime.

At Hallauer Law Firm, we are empathetic to the plight of you and your child. Our attorneys are also determined to help you receive the justice you deserve and preserve the welfare of your child. If you are looking for a juvenile defense attorney, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Call today at (757) 474-0089 for a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense lawyer in Norfolk. We’re also available to clients in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Portsmouth.

Understanding Juvenile Prosecution in Virginia 

You may be surprised to discover that in the state of Virginia, a minor who is aged 18 or younger can still be tried as an adult, depending on the circumstances.

If your child is over the age of 14, and charged with specific crimes, they are eligible to being tried as an adult. The punishments for being tried as an adult are more severe.

A trial of any sort is a nerve-wracking process, particularly for young people who are still developing mentally and emotionally. This is why our first step is to attempt to get the accusation dismissed, depending on the circumstances surrounding the charge.

In the event that a trial must take place, however, it is greatly beneficial if your child can attend a juvenile court hearing, rather than being tried as an adult.

Some of the most crucial advantages a young person can have for being tried as a juvenile rather than an adult include:

• Less severe penalties and fines
• Focus on rehabilitation and restoration rather than simple punishment
• Safeguarding from potential mental, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse that might be perpetrated from adult criminals
• Opportunities for age-appropriate counseling and treatment for psychological trauma and addiction to substances
• Access to education and career opportunities

Is Expungement of Juvenile Criminal Records Possible?

Expungement of juvenile records is possible is some cases, and occurs automatically in others.

• Dismissed charges - Juveniles can file a motion to expunge these records without any waiting period
• Misdemeanors - Most of these cases can be expunged either when the juvenile turns 19 or after five years since the last hearing of the case
• Felonies - A conviction of a charge that would have been a felony can never be expunged
• Motor vehicle violations - Any violation relating to the operation, theft, or ownership of a motor vehicle cannot be expunged until after the juvenile turns 29

We want to obtain the justice that you and your child are entitled to. Contact us now at (757) 474-0089 or online to start protecting your child’s present and future today.