As an experienced Chicago juvenile criminal defense attorney, I understand what is at stake when a child is brought into the juvenile justice system. It’s not only about the immediate legal issue but about safeguarding your child’s future. The juvenile justice system in Illinois focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment.
Understanding The Illinois Juvenile Justice System
Illinois has implemented the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, which prescribes how juveniles are to be treated in the system. The act focuses on care and guidance that serves the moral, emotional, and mental interests of the juvenile. This is done with an understanding that children are intrinsically different from adults and capable of change, hence worthy of a second chance.
Key Principles In Defense Of Children
Focus on Rehabilitation
It is not just an issue of avoiding conviction in the case of juvenile defense but also of ensuring that the child receives the necessary support and services to prevent a future problem. This may include arguing for alternative sentences that are more treatment-oriented rather than detention, such as counseling or community service.
Preserving Privacy
Records are generally sealed in juvenile cases to prevent stigma or undue burden on the child in later life for errors and mistakes made at an earlier age. Where permissible under Illinois law, 705 ILCS 405/5-915, we may consider the expungement of juvenile records when developing the defense strategy.
Family Involvement
The most important part of the process is the involvement of the family. Many times, a united front may keep results in the juvenile’s favor to show them that there is support around them in the rehabilitation process.
Education Rights
We work towards results that will keep the juvenile in school, preventing the juvenile courts from interfering with the juvenile continuing their education.
Illinois Juvenile Defense Strategies
Defending a case in juvenile court requires special legal strategies. These legal defense strategies may include:
Challenging Evidence – As in any other criminal case, the strength of any juvenile defense largely depends upon the evidence produced by the prosecution. We carefully scrutinize the circumstances of the arrest and detention to ensure your child’s rights are protected and that evidence against them was procured lawfully.
Diversion Programs – Our attorneys examine every possible diversion program that may be available to afford the juvenile a non-prosecutorial alternative. Diversion programs are generally educational in nature, with an emphasis on restitution and community service to allow children an opportunity to learn from their mistakes without having to bear the burden of a criminal record.
Negotiating with Prosecutors – With juvenile law’s focus on rehabilitation, there is more room for negotiation when trying to reach resolutions that lead to the juvenile’s growth and future well-being. These negotiations take skill on the part of a defense attorney to provide alternative options that meet everyone’s goals and expectations.
Contact Our Dedicated Chicago Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney
If your child has been charged in the juvenile justice system, it’s extremely important that you seek out experienced legal counsel. Contact our Chicago juvenile criminal defense attorney at Edward Johnson & Associates P.C. by calling 708-762-8666 to receive your free consultation. Based in Chicago, our law firm can provide you with juvenile criminal defense attorneys who work zealously to protect your child’s future by guiding them through this painful process with the care and experience they need and are entitled to. Let us help preserve your child’s rights and keep their path to a bright future unimpeded.