Juvenile Criminal Defense

A juvenile case can begin with a knock, a call or a school meeting. Soon after, questions tend to surface. Parents often ask what records now exist, who can see them and whether those records may follow their child later. In Louisiana, juvenile courts often treat case...

One phone call can transport you to a different world. It is a world with its own unfamiliar language—“delinquent acts” instead of “crimes,” and “adjudications” instead of “trials.” This is the Louisiana juvenile justice system, and for a parent, it is one of the most...

Young people who come into contact with the justice system in Louisiana are often given options beyond jail. The aim is to correct behavior without causing long-term harm. Many of these alternatives focus on education, rehabilitation and second chances. If your teen...

How often have you heard someone say, “They wouldn’t have confessed if they weren’t guilty”? However, it happens more often than you realize.  Teenagers are more likely than adults to confess to a crime they didn’t commit. How does this happen? The teenager’s brain...

Teen behavior can shift quickly. One moment, your child may be cheerful and focused; the next, may be distant, frustrated or acting out. These changes often feel like part of adolescence, but sometimes they hint at deeper issues. Some patterns of behavior may signal a...

Learning that your child has been charged with a crime can be terrifying. You may be worried that it will follow them for life, affecting their education, career and other opportunities. However, it’s not necessarily the case. A criminal charge is serious, but it...

Juvenile diversion programs are a promising alternative to traditional justice systems, aiming to reduce recidivism rates among young offenders.  These programs help to address the underlying causes of delinquent behavior and provide support services, offering a...

When teens commit crimes, their parents are sometimes perplexed as to why they would make such a decision. Parents may understand some of the common root causes. A teen who was trying to impress their peers may be more likely to drink before they’re legally old enough...

Whenever our children get into trouble, we feel like we fail as parents. That simply is not true. Even when we try to instill good values, other external forces are at play, such as peer pressure or a need to prove their independence through rebellion. Usually, these...

While alcohol may not be the best discussion during dinner, it can be necessary for parents to have this conversation with their kids, especially when they are under 21. In addition to talking about the health effects of alcohol, your child should know the legal...