Juvenile Offenses

Salisbury Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers

Defending Against Juvenile Offenses in Maryland

In the realm of youthful missteps and immature errors in judgment, a spectrum of juvenile offenses unfolds, each potentially steering young lives toward a crossroads of legal consequence. These incidents span a wide range, from common offenses like shoplifting to more serious infractions like firearms-related charges and gang involvement. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our mission is to offer a lifeline to troubled youth and intervene in a trajectory that could lead to criminality and its enduring repercussions.

Call MacDonald Law Office, LLC today at (410) 348-7809 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our juvenile criminal defense attorneys in Salisbury!

Common Types of Juvenile Crimes

Many juvenile offenses are the kind you might associate with young people:

Gun charges
Shoplifting and petty theft
Burglary
Joyriding/car theft
Gang activities
Fighting/Assault
Underage drinking
DUI and reckless driving

Juveniles are often involved in other crimes: domestic violence, credit card fraud, identity theft, and drug trafficking. Parents fear that their children will slide into a life of repeated crime and punishment. Our job at MacDonald Law Office, LLC, is to prevent the punishment that will worsen matters.

When Your Son or Daughter Is Charged with Underage Consumption of Alcohol

There is a reason why Maryland courts come down hard on underage drinking: Statistics show that alcohol is a leading factor in fatal and serious highway injuries. And it is simply a fact that young drivers on alcohol or drugs play a disproportionate role in these statistics.

It's a crime in Maryland to drink until you are 21. A charge of underage consumption often accompanies a charge of DUI. Conviction on these two can cast a dark shadow on a young person's life — not to mention heavy fines, suspended driver's license, community service, and attending alcohol and drug training at your own expense.

Exploring the Consequences of Juvenile Crimes in Maryland

As a parent or guardian, it is important to understand the consequences your child may face if they are charged with a juvenile crime in Maryland. Even though the juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate rather than punish, serious consequences can still impact your child's future.

Some consequences of juvenile crimes in Maryland include:

Probation
Fines and restitution
Community service
Loss of driving privileges
Placement in a juvenile detention center
Criminal record

At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our Salisbury juvenile criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending juveniles charged with various offenses. We understand the nuances of the juvenile justice system and can work to minimize the impact these charges have on your child's future.

Defenses Against Juvenile Crime Charges

Juvenile crime charges can have serious consequences, but your child's future can remain bright with the right defense strategies. At MacDonald Law Office, LLC, we offer a range of defenses to safeguard your child's interests.

Key Defenses Against Juvenile Crime Charges:

Lack of Evidence: Our skilled attorneys will thoroughly examine the evidence against your child. If gaps or inconsistencies exist in the prosecution's case, we will exploit these weaknesses to cast doubt on the charges.
Age and Capacity: When building a defense, we will consider your child's age and mental capacity. Juveniles may not fully comprehend the consequences of their actions, and we will argue that age-appropriate interventions are more suitable than harsh penalties.
Miranda Rights Violation: If law enforcement did not properly advise your child of their Miranda rights during questioning, any statements made may be inadmissible in court. We will rigorously investigate police procedures to identify any violations.
Illegal Searches and Seizures: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, we will work to exclude it from the case. Protecting your child's Fourth Amendment rights is paramount.
Witness Credibility: Our team will scrutinize the credibility of witnesses, including whether they have any biases, motives, or inconsistencies in their statements. Challenging witness credibility can weaken the prosecution's case.
Alternative Sentencing Options: We will advocate for alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs, counseling, or rehabilitation, to keep your child out of the juvenile justice system and help them address the underlying issues.
Juvenile Expungement: If your child has a clean record and completes their sentence, we will work to expunge their juvenile record to ensure a fresh start in adulthood.

Contact Our Salisbury Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

Our experienced Salisbury juvenile defense lawyers will work tirelessly to provide your child with the best possible defense. We will fight to have their charges reduced or dismissed and work to ensure that a criminal record does not limit their future opportunities.

By choosing our firm, you can expect:

Compassionate and personalized representation
Thorough investigation and preparation for your child's case
Effective negotiation and litigation skills
Clear communication and guidance throughout the legal process
Experience working with the Maryland juvenile justice system

Your child's future is important to us. Don't wait to get help.

Contact MacDonald Law Office, LLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced juvenile criminal defense lawyers in Salisbury!

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