Juvenile Cases

In the justice system, juveniles (those under 18) are treated differently than adults.  Juveniles aren't convicted; they are found delinquent.  A finding of delinquency will likely result in probation, restitution, community service, or some combination of the three.  A finding of delinquency does not go on the juvenile's record once they turn 18 and become an adult.  Juveniles charged with serious violent offenses such as Armed Robbery, Rape, or Murder may be transferred to Criminal Court to be tried as adults.  If convicted, they would be sentenced as if they are an adult and may face lengthy penitentiary sentences.  If your son or daughter has been charged with a juvenile offense, you need a skilled Memphis criminal attorney who will handle the case with their future interests in mind.  I have handled numerous juvenile cases and have created positive solutions for many young men and women.  

Minors, unlike Juveniles, are adults and can have a conviction permanently placed on their record.  However, being under the legal age to drink alcohol, minors are often the subject of prosecution for alcohol-related crimes even if they were not intoxicated or they posed no danger to anyone at the time of the offense.  The most common of these are crimes prohibiting minors from possessing, buying, or attempting to buy alcohol.  In addition to exposure to jail time and fines, minors charged with these violations may risk losing their driving privileges.  Another alcohol-related offense targeted at minors is underage driving while impaired.  This crime may result not only in a permanent conviction, but also fines, suspension of license, and community service.  Additionally, the level of intoxication that the State must prove for a minor is 75% less than that for an adult.  This gives the government a significant advantage and only a dedicated, knowledgeable defense lawyer can counter this.