This is the next post in my series on the handling of Illinois assault and battery charges which involve juveniles. My last article discussed what constitutes assault and battery as well as the penalties a youth may face. It is important to understand that while such charges are not considered “criminal” in nature, your child may still face incarceration. Retaining an attorney can help to ensure that their rights remain protected. In this article I will discuss possible defenses against such charges. If your family is in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Illinois juveniles can assert several defenses in an assault and battery case
There are several ways in which an Illinois juvenile may seek to defend themselves in an assault and battery case. First, it is not uncommon for someone to be arrested after the police mistakenly believed that they were the primary aggressor. The accused youth may be able to claim self-defense in such a situation. Second, there are times when such cases are simply a matter of mistaken identity. These instances may involve eyewitness identifications which were improperly obtained or the victim may have simply picked the wrong person out of a lineup. Finally, there are times when the allegations may simply be false as a youth may see making a false claim as a way to “get back at” one of their peers. The strategy for defending any charge will always depend on the specifics of the situation.
The important point for parents to remember is that their child may very well have options for defending against the charges. Families often make the mistake of thinking that “there is nothing they can do” after a child has been arrested. Also, some parents may think that being found to have committed the offense will “teach their child a lesson.” There are two factors, however, which must be understood. First, it is more common than you may think for a child to have defenses in the matter. Failing to assert any defense claims will likely result in a less favorable resolution. Second, your child’s juvenile record can follow them for the rest of their lives. Even though juvenile records typically do not appear on background checks, they must be disclosed on certain professional licensing applications and requests for security clearances. It is, therefore, important to protect your child’s legal rights.
Contact a Peoria juvenile defense attorney if your son or daughter has been arrested
If your son or daughter has been arrested then it is important that you retain an experienced lawyer to assist them. Counsel will acquire the police reports and all other discovery which the prosecution is required to provide. They will also conduct an investigation into the matter which will include interviewing any relevant witnesses. As a Peoria juvenile defense lawyer, I am familiar with the handling of such matters. My office prides itself on providing quality legal assistance and we are ready to help you with your situation. Contact us online or by telephone today. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.