While criminal law penalizes defendants in an attempt to deter them from committing subsequent offenses, juvenile law is primarily rehabilitative. In other words, if your teen has been arrested, you can take comfort in the fact that it will not necessarily destroy his or her future. To improve the chances of securing a favorable outcome to your son or daughter’s case, though, take the following steps right away.

3 Steps to Take if Your Teen Is Facing Criminal Charges

1. Call an Attorney

It’s wise to call a juvenile law attorney as soon as you learn of the arrest. A lawyer will help your teen avoid making critical mistakes from day one, such as giving incriminating statements. Your legal team will also prepare for all necessary hearings, challenge any evidence against your son or daughter, and negotiate with the prosecutor.

2. Gather Evidence

Have your teen write down everything he or she remembers about the incident in question as soon as possible. At this stage, no detail is too small to include. If the police violated your child’s rights at any point, it may be possible to have the case dismissed entirely. And even if no violation occurred, your lawyer will evaluate the situation to determine what kind of proof will contribute to the strength of the defense—then devise a strategy for obtaining it. 

3. Talk to Your Teen

When your child gets in trouble with the police, it’s understandable to be frustrated. However, it’s important to approach the case with some perspective. Chances are these charges will not affect your teen 10 or even five years down the road, so focus on the here and now instead.

Why was your child in a position to get arrested in the first place? And what do you think you as a parent can do to prevent such scenarios in the future? Don’t be afraid to talk candidly to your teen about the situation and to ask questions like these so together you can identify the underlying cause of the problem—and devise a practical solution for moving forward. 

If your teen was arrested, turn to the knowledgeable team at J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law to determine how best to proceed. Located in Robertsdale, AL, this firm is proud to represent clients throughout Baldwin County. Their criminal defense attorneys are well-versed in juvenile law, and they fight tirelessly on behalf of each and every client to secure the most favorable outcome possible. They also practice estate planning, civil litigation, and property law. To request a consultation with an attorney on their team, call (251) 947-6247. Learn more about their juvenile law expertise online.