Juvenile Crimes & CHIPS Defense
Under the state of Minnesota, a juvenile offense is a crime committed by a person under the age of 18. Although there are no specific offenses that are considered ‘underage,’ some of the most common juvenile offenses include theft, robbery, DWI, shoplifting, underage drinking, vandalism, possession of marijuana or other illegal substances.
Juvenile Court Procedure
Juvenile courts in the state of Minnesota are different than the adult courts. While adult courts are considered ‘criminal’ proceeding designed to determine a punishment for criminal irresponsibility, the juvenile court system is a ‘civil’ proceeding designed to rehabilitate the child. Juvenile courts will punish for unlawful behavior but, at the same time, will work towards finding a solution for this social problem and ensure that the juvenile accepts individual responsibility for his actions. Furthermore, juvenile courts are committed to ensuring the youth remains out of trouble in the future.
Delinquents and CHIP Cases
Those under the age of 18 who commit a crime are considered to be ‘delinquents.’ A child under the age of ten who commits an adult crime will be handled as civil CHIPS (children in need of protection or services). CHIPS cases are handled at a separate hearing than juvenile hearings.
Petty and Traffic Offenses
Apart from juvenile offenses, youths under the age of 21 can also be charged with a petty offense, which means they have engaged in conduct that is not legal for them, but it is for adults. For example, underage drinking, underage smoking and violating curfew can all be considered petty offenses. In addition to these offenses, petty crimes also include non-violent misdemeanor offenses.
Another common legal problem many youths find themselves in is juvenile traffic offenses. This may include speeding, driving with too many people in the car, talking on a mobile while driving and not wearing a seatbelt. However, those arrested for driving under the influence or other serious driving offenses may be facing an adult court system rather than a juvenile court. This will depend on the severity of the crime committed.
Facing Juvenile Court Conviction
Under the juvenile courts, there are a number of treatments and punishments given for those who have disobeyed the law. The severity of your punishment will depend on the severity of the crime but may include fines, probation, counseling, rehabilitation, community service, home detention or restitution. In some instances you may lose your driver’s license or you may be placed in an out-of-home treatment facility for a certain period of time.
If your child has been arrested for a petty offense or misdemeanor crime, you may feel like you have failed as a parent. This is most certainly not the case. Kids make mistakes and it is up to the state of Minnesota juvenile courts to ensure that these delinquents learn from their mistakes now so they do not follow down the wrong path in the future.
Criminal Attorney Minneapolis & St Paul
If you or your juvenile is facing any juvenile charge, petty or otherwise, it is important that you seek legal representation fast. Keyser Criminal Defense will provide you with aggressive representation, a sound defense strategy and thorough research to ensure the best outcome possible. Keyser Criminal Defense can also provide you with the emotional support and confidential assistance to get through this complicated and tough situation. Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Christopher W. Keyser at (612) 338-5007 for a free, confidential and pressure-free case evaluation.
Offering Statewide Legal Representation
Keyser Criminal Defense represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.
