Has your child been accused of a juvenile crime in Providence, RI? When young individuals face criminal charges, it can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for them and their families.
Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be crucial in navigating the juvenile justice system. An attorney will protect your child’s rights, whether they’ve made a mistake or have been falsely accused or if you need guidance on any criminal accusation, including Providence drug crimes, domestic violence, Providence sex crimes, homicide charges, and more, we’re here to provide you with the support and representation you need during this challenging time.
At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we empathize with how challenging these circumstances are. Our Providence juvenile crimes lawyers are committed to advocating fiercely for your family. Contact our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney by calling (401) 854-7794.
How Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help With a Juvenile Criminal Matter in Providence, Rhode Island
Being arrested can be a disorienting experience for any young person and their family. At our firm, our passion lies in carving out pathways for a brighter future.
Here’s how our Providence criminal defense lawyers can help you and your family with a juvenile criminal case:
Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
The juvenile justice system is unique, with its own set of rules compared to the adult system. It requires specialized understanding due to its significant differences. Our attorneys will help you navigate these complexities, explaining each step so you can make informed decisions.
Negotiating Plea Deals
Our experienced legal team will engage in negotiations with prosecutors aimed at reducing or even dismissing charges completely. If this isn’t possible, we’ll work to minimize the potential penalties your child is facing. This often involves a plea deal that results in less significant charges or lighter consequences.
Seeking Alternative Sentencing
We understand that youthful mistakes shouldn’t dictate your child’s future, so we’ll advocate for alternative sentencing options. These may include participation in diversion programs, completion of community service hours, or mandated counseling sessions over detention or incarceration.
Support and Counseling Referrals
We don’t limit our services just to the courtroom. We recognize that these tough times can take a toll on your child. We’ll provide references for counseling and support services aimed at addressing any underlying issues associated with their behavior.
Expungement Assistance
Having an arrest on one’s record can hamper future opportunities. We will help guide you through the expungement process if possible. By sealing or clearing your child’s record, we attempt to limit the long-term impacts of the charges.
Family Support and Guidance
Our professionals go beyond simply providing a legal defense, offering you crucial support and guidance throughout this difficult period. We’ll strive to simplify legal jargon, explain possible outcomes in clear terms, and help ease your concerns by explaining how best to support your young one during these troubling times.
Facing juvenile charges can be a trying experience for you and your child. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Providence, Rhode Island.
Overview of Juvenile Crimes in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the juvenile justice system manages youths under 18 who have been accused of committing a criminal offense. Many of these cases are dealt with within the Family Court system.
While there is a difference in how they are prosecuted, juveniles can commit the same crimes as adults. Common juvenile offenses include lower-level crimes such as shoplifting or drug possession charges and more serious ones like assault, robbery, sexual assault, or even murder.
When is a Juvenile Tried as an Adult in Rhode Island?
Some serious violations may be escalated to the Superior Court, and a juvenile could be tried as an adult. That leaves them exposed to much harsher penalties when compared with those administered by the juvenile court system.
Whether a juvenile is charged as an adult is determined by several factors, typically including:
- The type and severity of the crime
- Any aggravating circumstances that are present – like the use of a weapon
- The age of the defendant
- Whether the defendant has a prior criminal history
If your child is being tried as an adult, it’s essential to speak with a Providence criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The repercussions can be severe and lifelong.
What Are the Potential Penalties For Juvenile Crimes in Providence, Rhode Island?
In Providence, Rhode Island, the penalties for juvenile crimes fall within a broad range that is largely dependent on the severity of the offense. The age of the accused party and any past criminal charges are other factors with strong influence over these outcomes.
Additionally, juvenile justice tends to focus more on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Here are some common resolutions to juvenile cases:
Probation
Juveniles frequently get placed on probation, which necessitates strict compliance with specific court-imposed conditions. These usually include attending school regularly, abiding by specified curfews, and steering clear of additional legal trouble.
Community Service
In many cases, the presiding judge may lay out a requirement for completion of a certain number of community service hours in lieu of more severe punishments.
Fines and Restitution
It’s also not unusual for juveniles and their families to be made to pay fines or restitution. Restitution is a type of compensation given to victims for any damages incurred as a result of the juvenile’s actions.
Deferred Adjudication
In some situations, the court may choose deferred adjudication as an option. This is when the court withholds its final decision and instead provides a set of conditions for the juvenile to adhere to within a specified timeframe. If they follow through successfully, the charges could be dismissed entirely.
Residential Placement
There are scenarios when juvenile offenders aren’t sent home after a judgment but are instead ordered to live within residential treatment centers or group homes. This often applies if the court determines that these alternative structured living environments are more suited to their rehabilitation or there are concerns about the youth’s current living conditions.
Detention
In more serious cases, juveniles might be placed in a juvenile detention center, which closely mirrors incarceration for adults. The length of this stay can depend on how severe the crime was and other case specifics.
What Defenses Can Be Raised in Juvenile Criminal Cases in Providence, RI?
When arrested for a juvenile crime in Rhode Island, professional legal representation is essential to creating a solid defense. The precise strategy will depend upon the specifics of the charges and evidence the prosecutor has, but some common ones include the following:
Lack of Intent
In many criminal cases, it’s crucial for the prosecution to prove intent. A lack of intent defense focuses on proving that you had no intention to commit a crime. It could be applicable when facing charges like burglary or theft.
Alibi
If you can prove that you were somewhere else at the time the crime took place, this could act as a solid defense to false accusations or wrongful identification. An alibi may involve presenting evidence like surveillance footage or witness statements verifying your whereabouts at the moment in question.
Self-Defense or Defense of Others
Asserting self-defense or defense of others can be a powerful strategy in cases involving violent crimes. This would involve demonstrating that your actions were a necessary reaction to imminent harm you or someone around you was facing.
Consent
In situations where consent of the parties involved is critical, like sex offenses – or even theft cases – proving that there was mutual and legally valid consent to the actions could form a credible defense.
Dealing with an arrest for a juvenile offense requires not only legal assistance but strong emotional resilience. Our Providence juvenile crimes attorneys can make this process as manageable as possible by developing the strongest available legal defense.
Every child deserves a fair chance to rectify their mistakes without having their future ruined. Maneuvering through the complex juvenile legal system can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone.
With professional and experienced legal representation on your side, you and your family can navigate these trying times more easily. Let us help you. Contact Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Providence juvenile crimes lawyer.
Visit Our Criminal Defense Law Office in Providence, RI
Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys
101 Dyer St Suite 2D, Providence, RI 02903, United States
(401) 854-7794
