Facing Juvenile Crime Charges? Call Anthony Parlatore
If your child has been arrested and charged with a serious crime, contact the Setauket law firm of Anthony M. Parlatore, Attorney at Law. Our experience with the resolution of juvenile felony, misdemeanor and status offenses can help your son or daughter avoid the most serious consequences of punishment while getting the intervention your family needs to set your child straight.
Examples of the juvenile crimes we can help resolve include:
- Theft and property crimes ranging from vandalism or shoplifting to burglary or larceny
- Assault, weapons offenses or fighting
- Drug charges
- Underage drinking, minor in possession of alcohol or juvenile DWI
- Crimes committed for the benefit of a gang or charges of gang affiliation
Juvenile court procedures are entirely different from those used to deal with adult crimes. The main difference is the absence of a right to trial by jury. The judge finds the facts as well as making legal and sentencing decisions. This can make a defense of the charges on the merits a delicate matter, but tends to reward a thorough familiarity with the different juvenile judges.
Our experience working with the prosecution, juvenile probation officers and the judges can help present your son or daughter's side of the story and your family's broader situation and interests in the best light possible to keep the focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
We adapt our juvenile defense tactics to the specific needs of your family
If we have an opportunity to present a strong defense to the charges your child is facing, we'll do so. If instead the evidence appears too strong to overcome, we take a constructive approach that seeks a balance between the social interest in deterring juvenile crime and your family's interest in avoiding the stigma of a criminal record.
We can usually work within the juvenile justice system to keep a behavioral problem from becoming a pattern of criminal activity. For many young people, a first brush with the risk of criminal punishment is enough to straighten them out. For others, unfortunately, second and third chances end up wasted. Whatever situation your family faces, we can offer practical advice and committed advocacy toward the best resolution possible under the circumstances.
To learn more about the scope of our juvenile defense practice, contact an experienced lawyer at the office of Anthony Parlatore in Setauket, New York.