Princeton Juvenile Criminal Lawyer

You probably recently received the dreaded telephone call telling you your child has been charged and that you need to pick him or her up at the Princeton Police Department or another location. What you do in the next few hours can literally alter the course of your child’s life. As such, it is extremely important that you not only think through your actions carefully, but also that you contact an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney to defend the criminal offense that is or will be filed in Princeton. Your child will need immediate legal representation in order to protect their rights and their future. The lawyers on the defense team of the Marshall Law Firm are highly experienced in the defense of juvenile criminal charges at the Family Division of the Mercer County Superior Court, the venue where all offenses involving defendants who are minors must be handled. Contact our office to speak to one of our former prosecutors or other highly accomplished juvenile defense attorneys. A lawyer is available immediately at 609–683–8102.

Juvenile Criminal Charge in Princeton New Jersey

Throughout the state of New Jersey, at least 15,000 juveniles have some level of involvement with the juvenile justice system, and about 50 Mercer County juveniles are under the direct care of the Juvenile Justice Commission on any given day. With its relatively low population, there is less crime-both adult and juvenile—in Princeton than in some other New Jersey cities, and Princeton High School ranked number 6 on the list of the best high schools in the state. To be eligible for such a ranking, the school must have been awarded a national gold, silver or bronze medal. This is not to say there is no juvenile crime in Princeton, only that the numbers tend to be lower.

If your child finds him or herself in trouble in Princeton, New Jersey, it is important that you understand how different juvenile court in the state is from adult court. Because of this, it is extremely important that your child have an attorney who has a significant amount of experience in juvenile matters, and has successfully navigated juvenile court for a number of clients over the years. Your attorney will ensure your child’s rights and future are properly protected. The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is that law firm. We have the experience and the knowledge required to minimize the negative consequences of your child’s misstep. Jonathan F. Marshall and the lawyers on staff can handle all offenses and proceedings in Princeton and Mercer County juvenile courts, including:

• Sex crimes;
• Robbery;
• Assault;
• Drug possession or trafficking;
• Criminal mischief;
• Waiver and retention hearings, and
• Weapons violations.

Although your child will be read his or her rights, if arrested, the similarities between juvenile and adult court take a sharp deviation from that point on. Your child may be released into your custody (with or without a warning), or could be referred to the Court intake services. Depending on your child’s past history of delinquency, the nature of the current offense, the need to protect society, and whether your child has either failed to remain in a Court placement facility or failed to appear in Court, he or she may be sent to a juvenile detention facility. Detention alternatives are meant to provide short-term levels of supervision while your child waits for the disposition of his or her case.

Princeton Juvenile Criminal Defense Attorney

Since the goal is to ensure your child will appear at his or her Court hearings, and to maintain public safety, the state does do its best to reduce the unnecessary confinement of young people in detention facilities. It is important to consult a defense attorney for your child the moment you know he or she is in trouble. The juvenile criminal lawyers at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can immediately assist your child, protecting his or her rights and the future. Call Jonathan F. Marshall or another lawyer at the firm today at 609–683–8102.