For juveniles who are suspected of criminal activity, law enforcement follows a very different set of guidelines than they would with adult offenders. It's important that all parents understand what can happen in a juvenile delinquency case. James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law is a defense lawyer with more than 10 years of experience representing juvenile clients throughout the Cincinnati, Ohio, area. He’s here to discuss three things that can happen in a juvenile delinquency case.

Three Things That Can Happen In A Juvenile Delinquency Case

1. Giving A Warning

Also known as "counseled and released," issuing a warning involves a law enforcement officer detaining the juvenile for a brief period of time. During this experience, a law enforcement officer discusses the incident with the juvenile in hopes of showing them the error of their ways. After a short period of detainment, the juvenile is released.

2. Holding Until A Parent Arrives

This option is similar to giving a warning, but the juvenile is released into the custody of a parent or guardian. Again, the law enforcement officer attempts to help the juvenile learn from their mistake and make better decisions in the future. Authorities will usually fill the parent in on the details of the situation.

3. Sending To Juvenile Court

When law enforcement sends a minor offender to juvenile court, the case can go one of three ways. The state may seek to formally prosecute the case in court, they may dismiss the charge entirely, or they may informally prosecute the case. With informal prosecution, no formal charge is entered, but the defendant may be required to attend counseling, pay fines, or do community service. In formal prosecution, known as petitioning the case, the minor is arraigned and brought to trial. If a juvenile in your life is being formally prosecuted, let defense lawyer James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, help devise a winning legal strategy.

Also, in certain, more serious cases, the state may seek to prosecute the juvenile as an adult.

Call James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, at (513) 503-7251 to schedule a consultation with a defense lawyer. You can also visit the firm on Facebook and Twitter to keep current on important news and information. Juvenile delinquency charges are serious criminal matters, so make sure you have a trusted legal professional on your side.