Protecting Your Child’s Future
The focus of the juvenile justice system is supposed to be helping children get back on the right path after a bad decision has led them into trouble with the law. Having the right juvenile defense lawyer by your side can help protect your child’s rights and his or her future.
When your child is facing juvenile offenses in the juvenile justice system, he or she has a chance to begin to make the right choices. Facing charges may help him or her see the mistakes he or she has made.
Schedule your consultation at our law firm today by calling 800-725-6413.
A Strong Defense For Your Child
While juvenile court and facing juvenile offenses can be a wake-up call for troubled young people, they still need a strong defense to ensure that the outcome of the offenses is one that benefits them. We fight for our clients every step of the way.
Juvenile offenses we defend against include:
- Drug charges like trafficking and possession
- DUI/DWI
- Underage drinking/minor in possession of alcohol
- Assault
- Theft
- Vandalism
The Personalized Representation Your Child Deserves
At Brett K. Duncan & Co., we know how important it is that your child receives the best possible outcome to his or her juvenile offenses. Our commitment is to help your child come away with a resolution that allows him or her to move forward. We offer an aggressive defense against juvenile offenses that holds the prosecution accountable for proving all aspects of the case against your child.
We also know how overwhelming it is to have a child facing juvenile offenses, so we work to keep our clients informed and educated. You can always access the most current information about your case on our My Case page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Juvenile Cases
If your child has been arrested or charged, you want an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side. Find answers to some commonly asked questions below and then contact us to learn what we can do for your family.
What are the potential consequences of a juvenile conviction?
The potential consequences of a juvenile conviction are steep and may include:
- Community service
- Fines and compensation to victims
- Mandatory counseling
- Probation
- House arrest
- Placement with other family members, in a foster home or in a group home facility
- Incarceration in a juvenile detention center
In addition, if your child is age 14 or older and charged with a serious crime, they may be placed in the adult criminal justice system. This is the most damaging of all of the potential consequences. We will strive to avoid this outcome for your child.
Can juvenile criminal charges affect my child’s school or education?
Yes, juvenile criminal charges can affect your child’s school and education. They may miss significant amounts of time at school. If they committed a serious offense, they may not be allowed to attend their school anymore. They can also lose financial aid for school. Scholarship committees may deny their applications if they have charges or a conviction on their record.
What role do parents play in the juvenile justice system?
Parents play a pivotal role in their child’s experience in the juvenile justice system. They may improve outcomes for their child by showing support for the child and staying in regular contact with them. They can also seek rehabilitation for the child and try to keep them in school.
One of the most important things parents can do for their child is to hire a juvenile defense lawyer to represent them. Minors need experienced legal representation just like adults do. Parents often think that their child should learn a lesson from the experience, but that may end up doing more harm than good.
Can a juvenile record be expunged or sealed in Louisiana? If so, how?
Yes, juvenile records can be expunged or sealed in Louisiana. Expungement of records means that all relevant documents are removed from public view. You will not have to disclose the record to employers, schools or other entities. In general, you can petition for the expungement of misdemeanors after satisfying all requirements of the conviction and waiting for two years.
It is important to note that some crimes are not eligible for expungement, including manslaughter, murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and some sex offenses.
There are also some juvenile offenses that are sealed after two years once court supervision is over or after the juvenile’s 18th birthday. Typically, misdemeanors are eligible for sealing. This can be a tricky area of law, so it is best to speak with an attorney who is familiar with sealing and expungement.
We Are Here To Help
Do not allow your child’s future to be put at risk because of a youthful mistake. We can provide the defense your child deserves when facing juvenile charges. An appointment with one of our attorneys is available by calling 800-725-6413 or contacting us online. We serve people throughout the Hammond, Louisiana, area, including Tangipahoa Parish and Livingston Parish.