Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney
JUVENILE CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Experienced Rockford Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Near You
Illinois defendants under the age of 17, who commit a misdemeanor or felony crime, are generally charged as juvenile defendants in the juvenile justice system. Depending on the seriousness of the crime or a juvenile’s criminal background, a juvenile over the age of 15 can be charged as an adult for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of certain drugs, intent to distribute or manufacture certain drugs, certain gun crimes, or crimes that are committed on or near school grounds. The Rockford criminal defense attorney at Law Office of Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney can provide your child with the representation they need.
It is imperative to contact a Rockford defense attorney immediately if your child is accused of a crime. When handling a juvenile case, your child’s attorney should focus on the potential educational and employment consequences for your child. Keeping a clean record and reducing the likelihood of future offenses are a top priority.
Brendan can help any child in trouble with the law. Learn more about juvenile defense and how Brendan can help your child today.
10 Most Common Juvenile
Crimes
Young people don't always think about the consequences of their actions and can often end up in situations that will have a negative impact on their lives. These are some of the most common crimes that underage individuals get charged with.
- Theft - Anything from shoplifting to stealing items like bicycles, backpacks, jewelry or more.
- Vandalism - Graffiti, breaking windows, and smashing property are all common forms of juvenile vandalism.
- Alcohol Offenses - Underage possession or consumption of alcohol, or even driving under the influence.
- Drug Offenses - Similar to alcohol the possession or consumption of controlled substances or tobacco.
- Criminal Trespassing - Entering a dwelling whether abandoned or not, or going into a store that they have been banned from.
- Criminal Mischief - These are activities like toilet papering a house, breaking mailboxes, etc.
- Reckless Endangerment - Activities that could put others at risk of harm such as throwing snowballs at moving cars.
- Harassment - This could be toward someone they know such as sending mean texts, or towards a stranger ie. prank phone calls.
- Curfew Violations/Loitering - Being out past a set curfew, sneaking out of their house, or just hanging out in a group in front of a building.
- Traffic Violations - Speeding, neglecting to stop at stop signs or follow other rules of the road can be quite common for teens.
Penalties For Juvenile Offenders In Illinois
Juvenile offenders typically don't face the same level of penalty that adult offenders do, however the punishments can still be severe and impact their lives in a significant way. Ultimately Illinois's juvenile laws take a number of things into account when determining sentencing and penalties for crimes committed by underage offenders.
- Is the person able to be rehabilitated
- The person's prior criminal history (Is this their first offense or are they a repeat offender)
- What role did the person play in the crime
- The person's maturity level and understanding of the crime committed
- The person's family history (ie. abuse, neglect, or childhood trauma)
- What role did peer pressure or coercion play
- Any other facts directly related to the specific case
The most common penalties for juvenile offenders in Illinois include community service and participation in educational classes about the severity and consequences of the crime committed. For more serious infractions a juvenile could end up in a youth detention center for up to two years depending on the age of the offender and the other circumstances surrounding their particular case. It is important to retain the services of an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney near you when an underaged individual is charged with a crime as they will be able to fight to get the best outcome that will help that person be able to move on with their life.
Juvenile Law in Rockford, IL Near You
If you or a loved one is facing a legal issue involving a child, you need information quickly. Whether your situation involves a child that’s been moved to another home, a child who has been arrested, or an accusation that you have done something wrong, you need an experienced Rockford juvenile criminal defense attorney.
If your minor child has run into serious legal trouble, you may be desperate for dependable counsel to help you protect his or her future. Whatever charges your child faces, I am a dedicated Rockford criminal defense attorney prepared to investigate, negotiate and litigate on his or her behalf. If your child is being prosecuted as an adult, I will do everything possible to have the case brought back to juvenile court.
It is time to consult with an experienced lawyer close to home who has years of experience in these areas of the law. Law Office of Brendan W. Caver DCFS, Juvenile and Criminal Defense Attorney is ready to help.
What You Need To Know About Juvenile Law
Juvenile law falls into three main categories. Each of these categories requires proper representation by an experienced juvenile trial attorney in Rockford, IL. Without trial experience, it can be very difficult to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
In any of these situations, you are always presumed innocent unless and until the State proves you guilty. There are many procedural differences between these three categories of cases, yet they also share many of the same attributes.
Rockford Juvenile Rehabilitation
The goal in juvenile crime cases should always be rehabilitation. My extensive work in criminal cases is a tremendous asset as I present key evidence in favor of alternative sentencing and rehabilitation for juveniles — often including personal history, school records and expert psychological evaluations or testimony. I am familiar with the juvenile courts and court officials throughout northern Illinois, including those throughout the Rockford area and Winnebago County. I know how to work with them to pursue a positive outcome for your child.
Review by Gary Vosberg
Brendan Caver helped guide me through all the court appearances and worked with me on my request to use an outside investigator. Brendan was ready to fight in the court room for my improper arrest. I believe the court realized that Brendan Caver was going to go to the mat for me and “dismissed the case.”
Contact an Experienced Rockford Juvenile Criminal Attorney Near You
Do not get behind the power curve when it comes to facing allegations of wrongdoing involving children. Brendan has spent over a decade practicing law in each of these three areas and has devoted his practice to juvenile law and criminal defense.
Hire an attorney who has the trial experience and skills to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. For answers to your specific questions, please call or text 815-714-9508 for your free consultation, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
