Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney to Help Get Your Child Back on Track

Every Offender has Fundamental Rights that Deserve Respect

If your child has been charged with a crime in northern Utah, you may question whether your child will go to jail or have a permanent criminal record, or wonder if you can be criminally charged for their offense. Although most parents or legal guardians cannot be held criminally liable for their child’s offense, if they contributed to the commission of the offense in any way, they can possibly be held liable as a party to the offense.

Defending Juvenile Offenders in Utah

For many juvenile crimes, it will be important to hire a juvenile defense attorney to help your child achieve the best possible defense for their particular situation. Punishments for juvenile offenses can often be harsh and have a devastating impact on your child’s future. This is why it is important to consult a juvenile defense attorney. For example, some juvenile offenses can result in a permanent criminal record, affect your child’s future employment and educational opportunities, or result in detention or imprisonment. Your child can also be charged as an adult for certain crimes if the court deems the child is old enough to be charged as an adult. In such a case, it is in your best interest to contact a Northern Utah Law defense lawyer Ken Peterson, and have the charges reduced or dismissed.

Diversion Programs in Lieu of Confinement

Defense attorney Ken Peterson believes it is imperative to attempt to help your child avoid lengthy imprisonment or detention sentences. Nonjudicial Adjustments, also known as diversion, in Utah, are available for many juvenile offenders, which are more beneficial because they provide for rehabilitation and are designed to prevent future criminal offenses. Diversion is a special type of probation for juvenile offenders that includes fines of up to $250 and community service hours of up to 34 hours.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Juvenile criminal law in Utah is incredibly complicated and intricate. The juvenile system differs significantly from the adult criminal justice system. Primarily focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, it aims to steer young offenders away from a life of crime. Despite this, the system can still be complex and challenging to understand, especially without the help of a defense lawyer.

Protect Your Child’s Rights and Their Freedom

As an aggressive legal advocate at Northern Utah Law, defense attorney Ken Peterson is unafraid to take every case to a jury to get justice. But most often, strategic advocacy with the state for reduced charges, diversion programs, or outright dismissal is the sure bet in a juvenile case. Regardless, Ken is prepared to guide you and your child every step of the way. Contact Ken online to schedule a consultation.