Akron Juvenile Defense Lawyer

When minors are accused of crimes, they still face harsh penalties. If your child has been charged with a criminal offense in Summit County, it is crucial to take action now to protect their future.

Working with an experienced Akron juvenile defense attorney at Erb Legal could help your child avoid the devastating impact of a conviction. Contact us today at 330-249-1778 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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Ohio Juvenile Crime Laws

Ohio Revised Code § 2152.02 covers serious youthful offenders and juvenile sentencing instead of an unruly child, as outlined by Ohio Revised Code § 2151.022.

Generally, children may be taken into custody after being accused of delinquent acts. Juvenile offenders found guilty may be subject to a variety of penalties, including:

  • House arrest
  • Community service
  • Community control
  • License suspension
  • Drug or alcohol treatment
  • Mental health counseling
  • Placement in a detention facility
  • Curfew
  • Restitution and fines
  • The requirement to obtain a GED or diploma
  • Random drug and alcohol testing
  • Confinement in temporary or permanent custody
  • Imprisonment

Common Juvenile Charges in Akron

Some common underage offenses our firm handles include:

  • Juvenile drug crimes
  • Driving under the influence
  • Juvenile Theft
  • Trespassing
  • Marijuana possession
  • Juvenile traffic offenses
  • Vandalism
  • Juvenile sex offenses

If your child has been accused of or charged with any of the previously mentioned crimes, or another juvenile offense, contact a reputable juvenile defense attorney in Akron who can help you figure out how to get your child through this challenging time.

The Juvenile Criminal Process

After a child has been taken into custody, they will either be brought to a detention facility or released into the care of their legal guardian or parent. Juveniles are not legally allowed to be held in custody for more than six hours, depending on the type of offense they are accused of.

An adjudicator hearing will be set within 72 hours. The subsequent adjudicatory hearing will determine whether your child is guilty if they violated a law that would be an offense as an adult and what consequences they should face.

Juvenile Rights in Ohio

Juvenile offenders do not have the same rights as adults. Juvenile offenders do not have the option of having a jury hear their case. Only a judge can preside over juvenile offenses.

Although juveniles still have the right to an attorney and present evidence, instead of having their case heard at trial, a lot will happen at the adjudicatory hearing, where the judge will have the sole discretionary authority to determine whether your child should be found guilty, and if so, the appropriate punishment.

Juvenile Defense Options

In the hopes of avoiding some of the harsher penalties associated with juvenile convictions, you may be able to enter into a pretrial diversion program or teen court. Teen court diversion programs may be available for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders.

The teen court program uses offenders in the community who have previously been sentenced and provides education about the juvenile justice system. This program may be available for minors between 11 and 17 with consent from a parent or legal guardian.

The offender mediation program is another option that could help you protect your child’s future. Here, the conflict between the victim and the offender can be resolved in mediation before formal charges are filed. These proceedings are overseen by a neutral third party to reach an agreement in your case.

Expunging Juvenile Record in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.356, juvenile records can be sealed if the case was resolved before a complaint was filed, if the case was dismissed, or if the juvenile completed a diversion program. Juvenile records can also be sealed two years following the final disposition.

Ohio Revised Code § 2151.358 states that juvenile records that have been sealed can also be expunged five years later or on the juvenile offender’s 23rd birthday.

However, not all juvenile violations are eligible for sealing or expungement. If you have questions or concerns surrounding whether your child’s juvenile records can be sealed or expunged, be sure to contact an attorney.

Resources for Akron Juvenile Charges

Here are some of the local courts, programs for minors, and police departments associated with juvenile criminal offenses:

Summit County Court of Common Pleas
209 S. High Street
Akron, OH 44308

Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS)
161 S High St  
Suite 100
Akron, OH 44308

Halt Violence
923 East Broad Street, Suite 100
Columbus, Ohio 43205
614-290-5702

Akron Police Department
217 S High Street
Akron, OH 44308
330-375-2552

Akron Juvenile Crimes FAQ

In the hopes of helping you prepare for what’s to come, Erb Legal has answered some of the most common questions surrounding juvenile offenses.

What Happens If Your Child is Arrested at School?

Children accused of committing crimes in schools can be removed from the classroom and taken into custody. Additionally, when a juvenile has been accused of or charged with a crime, their school may be notified. If this happens, your child could face suspension or expulsion, depending on the details of your case.

When Are Juveniles Tried As Adults?

Under Ohio law, no specific statute specifies the youngest age a child can be charged as an adult. Generally, discretionary waivers can be used as a minor is a minimum of 14 years old and commits a felony. Miners who are a minimum of 16 years old and commit violent offenses such as attempted murder, aggravated murder, or murder, then the case could be tried as an adult.

What Should You Wear to Juvenile Court?

When attending juvenile court, it is important to make a good impression by dressing appropriately. Make sure to wear clean clothing that does not contain slogans or slang. Do not wear crop tops, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats in court. Make sure you brush your teeth, wash your hair, and dress modestly.

Get Help From an Akron Juvenile Defense Attorney

When children make mistakes, they should not be expected to pay for them for the rest of their lives. Don’t let your child make statements without professional legal advice and representation.

Early intervention from an Akron juvenile defense attorney could be the difference between bringing your child home and keeping their record clear.

Call Erb Legal today at 330-249-1778 or submit a request online for a free consultation.