Finding out that your child has been arrested is overwhelming. You may feel angry and disappointed in the situation, but parental responsibility comes first. Children make mistakes, and all they need is a firm hand to support and guide them through difficulty. The next step to take must be towards protecting your child’s rights. Your child will need to depend on you as a stable front, so you will need to work through your panic and get focused. Taking care of the situation may help your child’s future so that their mistakes do not go on public record.
Steps to Take If Your child is Arrested.
You will need to reach out to a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your child’s lawyer will help simplify processes and ensure that your child’s rights are well protected. If your child is below age 17, the police are legally bound to inform you of the arrest immediately after the child is taken to the station. If this does not happen duly, your attorney can press a case in your child’s favor. Your child has the right to have an adult present while the police question them, and you can also take a private moment with the adult. If your child calls you before any interrogation occurs, do advise them not to speak until their lawyer is present. Children may panic and spill information that the police will use to build a case against them.
Choosing a Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Child
Your child needs a support system during these times, and an experienced criminal defense attorney with sensitivity to juvenile matters is necessary. It is essential that your child feels comfortable around the attorney so that they can divulge all the required details that may help their case. A criminal charge on your child means a lot is at stake, and getting a skillful lawyer is non-negotiable for your child’s safety and future.
The criminal defense attorney will obtain reports and statements from the police, go over events with your child, and inform you of progress as necessary. Do note that your child’s attorney has a confidentiality agreement with them, and your child can choose to request for confidential information not to be shared with you. As this is legally valid, you will need an attorney you can trust.
Discussing Hearings and Consequences
Your child’s first hearing before a court will most likely happen 24 hours after the arrest. During this time, your child may be held in a detention facility. The first hearing considers if the police had probable cause to arrest your child. If not, the charges against your child will be immediately dropped, but this is not always the case. Depending on the charge, your child may be subject to home detention, where they will not be allowed to leave the house except for school. In some cases, they may not be permitted to school during the duration of the case.
Your attorney is responsible for liaising with the prosecutor and will work towards ensuring that the charges are dropped or have minimal consequences. If your child gets community service and such types of sanctions, you will do well to meet and discuss with their case manager.
If charges are not dropped and a formal arraignment is made against your child, your lawyer will inform you of possible timelines with court hearings and pleas.
If your child has been arrested around Crystal Lake or Harvard, reach out to the offices of Lamb, Carroll, Papp, and Cunabaugh. Your child deserves excellent legal representation to protect their rights and future. Schedule a consultation today.