It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, but an all too common reality for many New Jersey residents: your child gets arrested, charged with criminal activity, and you don’t know how to help. There are limited options for a parent to take after such an event, but it is important for you to know what happens after the arrest of a juvenile and your options to help them moving forward.
Finding Legal Representation. For youth arrested in New Jersey, it is mandatory that they have legal representation during a formal court hearing. It is likely in your best interest to seek out a juvenile crimes attorney who has specialized experience working with young people and the laws surrounding their rights. If you choose not to go the route of hiring a private attorney, your child will be assigned a public defender. These individuals often have high numbers of cases that they are representing and as such may not be able to fully devote their talents to your child’s case to the full extent of their ability.
Visitation Rights: Each juvenile justice facility has its’ own separate list of rules and regulations for those that they are holding. Juveniles are not eligible for bail like an adult would be, but as a parent you will be able to visit provided that you bring identification and follow all the rules of the facility for the duration of your visit.
Pre-Release Hearing: This is a hearing in which the judge will consider multiple factors to see if it is appropriate to release your child into your custody. They will consider whether it is safe for everyone involved, including the safety of your child as well as the general public. They will weigh the likelihood that your child will return for the future legally-required hearings, and ensure that all of their information about your address and your child’s identity are accurately identified.
Your Role in the Hearing: During the hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify or speak on behalf of your child. You are not legally required to appear at this event, and your attorney will usually handle most of the talking during the proceedings. You will have a set period of time in which to speak after you have been directly asked to do so, and will be able to answer questions set forth by the judge as well as provide your own testimony on the case and about your child.
First Steps First: If your child gets arrested, being accused or charged with committing a crime, you will want to immediately seek out expert legal help. Here at Borrus, Goldin, Foley, Vignuolo, Hyman and Stahl, PC, we can provide you and your child with the support that you need. With over fifty years of legal services in Central NJ, we have seen it all. For a consultation with me, attorneys, call today at 732-422-1000 to learn more about how we will put our expertise to work for you.
