This post concludes and recaps my series on the handling of juvenile offenses in Peoria, Illinois. I felt it necessary to write on this topic as, for obvious reasons, a parent may be unsure of what to do after their son or daughter has been arrested. The goal of my last several posts has been to provide information which will help parents know what it is they should expect from the process. I also hope that the provided information will help parents make an informed decision when selecting a criminal defense attorney. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation with a lawyer.
I have addressed several topics over my recent articles. Issues which I have analyzed include:
- The differences between adult and juvenile cases
- Dealing with prosecutors in Juvenile Court
- What to expect from the Juvenile Court process
These are important topics for a parent to understand. First, it is important to understand that there are both similarities and differences between the adult and juvenile systems. The juvenile system is considered “civil” in nature while the adult system is considered “criminal.” Many, however, will see these as distinctions without much difference as a youth will still face legal proceedings and possible incarceration. Second, juvenile prosecutors are more likely to agree to a reasonable resolution and, as a result, cases involving children are less likely to be litigated. Finally, knowing what to expect from the process will help parents to ensure that their child is prepared to go forward.
One point I have expressed in each of these discussions is that it is important to consult with an attorney who is familiar with handling juvenile offenses. The more experienced counsel is in handling such matters then the more likely it is that all issues in your case will be handled properly. Retaining a lesser experienced lawyer can a harmful impact on your child’s future.
I am a Peoria lawyer handling juvenile cases. As a former prosecutor I am familiar with the workings of our local court system. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. I also serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford. I also handle federal cases in Urbana.