Juvenile Law Advocate 

The goal of the Juvenile Justice Code is to promote public safety, hold juvenile offenders account and to help rehabilitate the juveniles by allowing them to live productive and responsible lives in our community. Thus, juvenile prosecutors are trying to hold children accountable with rehabilitative measures that allow them to learn a lesson, make improvements in their choices and be a productive member of society. On the other hand, if a juvenile commits a very serious crime or is unable to learn a lesson to help with rehabilitation, he or she may be sentenced to some time in a juvenile detention center.  

Juveniles do not receive convictions through juvenile court, but rather the process whereby the court determines that they have committed the crime is called an adjudication. An adjudication can remain on a juvenile’s record, depending on the advocacy of their attorney through the process. Juvenile courts have a number of resources available to help a child rehabilitate and most children who enter the juvenile system through an adjudication process are able to learn a lesson and not re-offend. However, parents should understand that the juvenile adjudication process is serious and your child needs an experienced attorney to assist him or her in navigating the process.  

For many juveniles, various diversion options are available. Many courts have options for immediate intervention or other specialized diversion programs. Completion of the court’s requisite program will often result in the child not being adjudicated of the offense, leaving no criminal record. Some juvenile offenses that have been adjudicated can also be expunged, erasing them from public record or other reporting requirements.  

If your child needs an excellent advocate, Stephanie Russell in our office is passionate about juvenile law and will be the advocate that your family is looking for. Stephanie has more than ten years of experience being an educator, prior to law school, and will have the ability to connect with your child, as well as you as the parent, help explain and offer options and navigate the juvenile system. Call Pingel Family Law today at (816) 208-8130 to schedule your consultation.