U.S. criminal law draws an important distinction between adult perpetrators of crimes and young offenders who often lack the critical faculties to fully understand the nature of their actions. Based on the belief that adolescent offenders can be rehabilitated more quickly and completely than adults, the criminal justice system has instituted a separate system for handling juvenile cases. According to the Michael A. Newland Law Office in Hamilton, OH, the juvenile law system offers a few major advantages to youths accused of a crime.

For example, in many states juvenile law allows for:

• Informal Hearings: In many cases, an offender under the age of 18 who admits guilt can be seen informally by a judge, who will determine the punishment and issue a decree. This process can avoid the embarrassment and public spectacle of a public jury trial.
• No Permanent Records: Depending on the nature of the crime and the state in which you live, juvenile offenses may be removed from an offender's criminal record after they turn 21, helping them avoid the stigma that could limit their opportunities and push them toward further criminal behavior.
• Rehabilitation-Oriented Solutions: In juvenile law, the focus is on rehabilitation and addressing the issues that led the offender to act out rather than mere punishment. A young criminal offender may be required to enter a drug treatment program, perform community service, or undergo counseling as an alternative to spending time in a Juvenile Correctional facility or ,under certain circumstances, prison, which only exposes them to hardened juvenile and adult criminals.

With over 20 years of experience with juvenile law, the Michael A. Newland Law Office has an in-depth understanding of the legal system's intricacies. To schedule a consultation with a member of their team, call (513) 887-9595 today, or visit their website to learn more about their reputation for providing highly effective legal representation.