Akron Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Put a Former Prosecutor on Your Side in Akron & Cleveland, OH

Few matters are more stressful than hearing that your child is accused of an illegal act. If convicted, a juvenile criminal record can impact their future opportunities, including education and employment. The repercussions, including penalties issued by a judge in the Ohio juvenile justice system, can strain family dynamics and result in an emotional toll on minors and their parents. 

At VanHo Law, we understand the anxiety associated with juvenile crimes for all involved. Our firm has 20+ years of experience handling complex legal cases, including juvenile and delinquency charges. 

As a former prosecutor, Attorney VanHo has an in-depth understanding of the juvenile justice system, how to investigate and prepare cases, and how to aggressively fight for optimum results. We work diligently to minimize the effects of criminal charges on the life and future of our youth. A juvenile mistake should not define the rest of your child’s life. 

Call (330) 681-1120 to consult our Akron juvenile crime attorney at VanHo Law or email us on our online contact form to make an appointment. 

Common Juvenile Crimes in Akron

Minors under 18 can commit the same crimes as adults. However, they are more apt to commit certain offenses than others. 

Common crimes committed by minors include:

• Shoplifting: The theft of goods from a store can involve minor items to high-value retail theft.
• Vandalism: Deliberate destruction or damage to property, such as graffiti or breaking windows, frequently occurring in schools or public spaces.
• Underage drinking: Consumption or possession of alcohol by individuals under the legal drinking age of 21, which can lead to charges and penalties. Charges can include possession and use of a fake ID.
• Drug possession: Possession of illegal substances, including marijuana or prescription drugs without a prescription, is a common charge among teens.
• Assault: Physical attacks or threats against others, ranging from school fights to more severe altercations, often resulting in criminal charges.
• Trespassing: Entering or remaining on property without permission, including breaking into abandoned buildings or restricted areas.
• Curfew violations: Being out past legally established curfew hours for minors is enforced to ensure safety and reduce nighttime crime.
• Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass or intimidate peers, which can lead to legal consequences under harassment or stalking laws.
• Traffic violations: Offenses committed while driving, such as speeding or driving without a license, are common among teenage drivers.
• Truancy: Repeated unexcused absences from school can result in legal action against the minor and their parents or guardians.

The Juvenile Court System: How to Prepare

In the state of Ohio, minors under 18 are charged as juvenile offenders. The goal of the juvenile justice system is to help rehabilitate minors and release them into the community as productive members of society. However, major hurdles must be overcome if your child is to avoid a sentence in a correctional facility. 

In some cases, juveniles charged with violent crimes may be tried as adults, even though the case is initiated in the juvenile system. These cases typically occur when the offense is severe, such as aggravated robbery or murder, or if the minor has a significant criminal history. 

The procedure for resolving a juvenile crime generally includes:

• Arrest and detention: If law enforcement suspects a minor has committed a crime, they may arrest the juvenile. Depending on the nature of the offense, the minor may be taken into custody or released to a parent.
• Initial hearing: After detention, a hearing will be scheduled to determine the juvenile's status. The court will assess whether the juvenile should remain in custody or return home while awaiting future proceedings.
• Adjudicatory hearing: This is akin to a trial; the state presents its case, and the juvenile has the right to defend themselves. The judge decides whether the minor is guilty or not guilty of the charges.
• Disposition hearing: If found guilty, the court conducts a disposition hearing to determine the appropriate intervention, including probation, community service, or placement in a treatment or correctional facility.

Whether in the juvenile or adult justice system, your child must fully use their legal rights to be prepared for every challenge.

What Are a Minor’s Constitutional Rights?

• To be read the Miranda Warning
• The right to make a phone call
• The right to an attorney
• The right against self-incrimination
• The right to a trial
• The right to an appeal

Public defenders are often overloaded with cases and have little time to devote to juvenile matters. Do not entrust your child's future to an inexperienced or callous attorney. With our Akron juvenile crime attorney, you benefit from a passionate defense and skilled advocacy.