Manassas Juvenile Offense Attorney
Going into a juvenile detention center separates youth from their family support network and the education system they are accustomed to for structure, impacts their employment, and impacts their overall well-being. Virginia’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court treats any minor, under the age of 18, who commits an act that would be criminal if they were an adult, as a juvenile delinquent. Even being labeled as a delinquent can be emotionally damaging to a young person. If your child has been taken into custody or is currently in a detention facility, contact the Manassas juvenile offense attorneys at Simms Showers LLP. We will jump into action to protect the legal rights of your young adult.
Common Juvenile Offenses
When a child enters the juvenile system in Virginia they often come with several difficult and complex problems besides their criminal activity. They could be coping with mental health problems, family issues, academic struggles, or a trauma. This does not mean they should be subjected to the stresses that come with being labeled as a juvenile delinquent.
At Simms Showers LLP, we have a vast experience handling the common juvenile offenses in Manassas along with others, including:
- Robbery;
- Larceny;
- Burglary;
- Assault;
- Parole violation;
- Vandalism;
- Sexual abuse;
- Gang involvement;
- Traffic infractions; and
- Narcotics charges.
When a Juvenile is Charged with a Felony in Virginia
If a minor is charged with a felony and they are over the age of 14, their case may be transferred to an adult circuit court. According to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, there are several different circumstances in which this can happen:
- Mandatory Certification – If there is probable cause that a minor committed murder or aggravated malicious wounding, they will automatically be sent to the circuit court.
- Prosecutorial Discretionary Certification – Prosecutors will sometimes request that certain violent juvenile felonies be tried in the adult court. If probable cause is found after a hearing in the juvenile system, then their case will be moved to a circuit court.
- Transfer – Similar to the prosecutorial discretionary certification, a transfer is when a prosecutor requests a case be moved to an adult court. These cases do not have to be violent felonies but the judge will consider other factors such as any prior record, age, emotional maturity, etc. of the juvenile before making a decision.
- Direct Indictment -If the juvenile system does not find probable cause of a violent felony, the attorney for the Commonwealth may seek a direct indictment in the circuit court on the instant offense and all ancillary charges. The direct indictment is not appealable.
- Waiver – A minor over the age of 14 can choose to have their case heard in a circuit court with written consent of counsel.
Our attorneys at Simms Showers LLP will advise our client about the best course of action for their particular case and if need be, we will fight to keep them out of the adult courts.
Contact Us Today
If you have a child who has been charged with a juvenile offense, you will want to seek immediate legal help. Contact the Manassas attorneys at Simms Showers LLP at 703-721-4449 for a free initial consultation.
